US20130156024A1 - Voice-Over-IP Enabled Chat - Google Patents
Voice-Over-IP Enabled Chat Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20130156024A1 US20130156024A1 US13/687,340 US201213687340A US2013156024A1 US 20130156024 A1 US20130156024 A1 US 20130156024A1 US 201213687340 A US201213687340 A US 201213687340A US 2013156024 A1 US2013156024 A1 US 2013156024A1
- Authority
- US
- United States
- Prior art keywords
- participant
- call
- voice
- link
- chat
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Granted
Links
- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 claims abstract description 25
- 238000010200 validation analysis Methods 0.000 claims description 14
- 238000013475 authorization Methods 0.000 claims description 12
- 230000004044 response Effects 0.000 claims description 3
- 238000004891 communication Methods 0.000 abstract description 19
- 239000003999 initiator Substances 0.000 abstract description 10
- 230000011664 signaling Effects 0.000 description 11
- 230000006870 function Effects 0.000 description 7
- 238000012545 processing Methods 0.000 description 5
- 230000008569 process Effects 0.000 description 4
- 238000013459 approach Methods 0.000 description 3
- 230000007246 mechanism Effects 0.000 description 3
- 230000005540 biological transmission Effects 0.000 description 2
- 239000003795 chemical substances by application Substances 0.000 description 2
- 230000000694 effects Effects 0.000 description 2
- 238000005516 engineering process Methods 0.000 description 2
- 238000012986 modification Methods 0.000 description 2
- 230000004048 modification Effects 0.000 description 2
- 238000012546 transfer Methods 0.000 description 2
- 230000009471 action Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000003190 augmentative effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000012790 confirmation Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000003111 delayed effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000010586 diagram Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000003993 interaction Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000005457 optimization Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000000047 product Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000012797 qualification Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000013589 supplement Substances 0.000 description 1
Images
Classifications
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
- H04L—TRANSMISSION OF DIGITAL INFORMATION, e.g. TELEGRAPHIC COMMUNICATION
- H04L12/00—Data switching networks
- H04L12/02—Details
- H04L12/16—Arrangements for providing special services to substations
- H04L12/18—Arrangements for providing special services to substations for broadcast or conference, e.g. multicast
- H04L12/1813—Arrangements for providing special services to substations for broadcast or conference, e.g. multicast for computer conferences, e.g. chat rooms
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
- H04L—TRANSMISSION OF DIGITAL INFORMATION, e.g. TELEGRAPHIC COMMUNICATION
- H04L65/00—Network arrangements, protocols or services for supporting real-time applications in data packet communication
- H04L65/40—Support for services or applications
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
- H04L—TRANSMISSION OF DIGITAL INFORMATION, e.g. TELEGRAPHIC COMMUNICATION
- H04L51/00—User-to-user messaging in packet-switching networks, transmitted according to store-and-forward or real-time protocols, e.g. e-mail
- H04L51/04—Real-time or near real-time messaging, e.g. instant messaging [IM]
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
- H04L—TRANSMISSION OF DIGITAL INFORMATION, e.g. TELEGRAPHIC COMMUNICATION
- H04L65/00—Network arrangements, protocols or services for supporting real-time applications in data packet communication
- H04L65/1066—Session management
- H04L65/1069—Session establishment or de-establishment
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
- H04L—TRANSMISSION OF DIGITAL INFORMATION, e.g. TELEGRAPHIC COMMUNICATION
- H04L65/00—Network arrangements, protocols or services for supporting real-time applications in data packet communication
- H04L65/1066—Session management
- H04L65/1101—Session protocols
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
- H04M—TELEPHONIC COMMUNICATION
- H04M15/00—Arrangements for metering, time-control or time indication ; Metering, charging or billing arrangements for voice wireline or wireless communications, e.g. VoIP
- H04M15/90—Arrangements for metering, time-control or time indication ; Metering, charging or billing arrangements for voice wireline or wireless communications, e.g. VoIP using Intelligent Networks [IN] or Advanced Intelligent Networks [AIN]
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
- H04M—TELEPHONIC COMMUNICATION
- H04M3/00—Automatic or semi-automatic exchanges
- H04M3/42—Systems providing special services or facilities to subscribers
- H04M3/42008—Systems for anonymous communication between parties, e.g. by use of disposal contact identifiers
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
- H04M—TELEPHONIC COMMUNICATION
- H04M3/00—Automatic or semi-automatic exchanges
- H04M3/42—Systems providing special services or facilities to subscribers
- H04M3/56—Arrangements for connecting several subscribers to a common circuit, i.e. affording conference facilities
- H04M3/567—Multimedia conference systems
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
- H04M—TELEPHONIC COMMUNICATION
- H04M7/00—Arrangements for interconnection between switching centres
- H04M7/0024—Services and arrangements where telephone services are combined with data services
- H04M7/0042—Services and arrangements where telephone services are combined with data services where the data service is a text-based messaging service
- H04M7/0045—Services and arrangements where telephone services are combined with data services where the data service is a text-based messaging service where the text-based messaging service is an instant messaging service
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
- H04M—TELEPHONIC COMMUNICATION
- H04M2203/00—Aspects of automatic or semi-automatic exchanges
- H04M2203/45—Aspects of automatic or semi-automatic exchanges related to voicemail messaging
- H04M2203/4536—Voicemail combined with text-based messaging
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
- H04M—TELEPHONIC COMMUNICATION
- H04M2207/00—Type of exchange or network, i.e. telephonic medium, in which the telephonic communication takes place
- H04M2207/20—Type of exchange or network, i.e. telephonic medium, in which the telephonic communication takes place hybrid systems
- H04M2207/203—Type of exchange or network, i.e. telephonic medium, in which the telephonic communication takes place hybrid systems composed of PSTN and data network, e.g. the Internet
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
- H04M—TELEPHONIC COMMUNICATION
- H04M2215/00—Metering arrangements; Time controlling arrangements; Time indicating arrangements
- H04M2215/01—Details of billing arrangements
- H04M2215/016—Billing using Intelligent Networks [IN] or Advanced Intelligent Networks [AIN]
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
- H04M—TELEPHONIC COMMUNICATION
- H04M3/00—Automatic or semi-automatic exchanges
- H04M3/42—Systems providing special services or facilities to subscribers
- H04M3/428—Arrangements for placing incoming calls on hold
- H04M3/4281—Arrangements for placing incoming calls on hold when the called subscriber is connected to a data network using his telephone line, e.g. dial-up connection, Internet browsing
-
- Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
- Y10—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
- Y10S—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
- Y10S379/00—Telephonic communications
- Y10S379/90—Internet, e.g. Internet phone, webphone, internet-based telephony
Definitions
- the present invention relates generally to the field of telecommunications networks. More particularly, the present invention relates, in one aspect, to combined networks for simultaneous voice and data communications. Still more particularly, aspects of the present invention relate to voice communications using data network protocols while permitting anonymous voice conversation participants to maintain separate simultaneous data communications links with each other or other online users.
- communications using the Internet permit users to communicate with one another anonymously over dialed-up or other access lines.
- online service providers allow users to connect their personal computers (PCs) together for purposes of anonymously communicating with one another in online text discussions using so-called “channels,” “virtual rooms” or “chat” rooms (or any of a number of similar constructs).
- Text “chats” take place in such chat rooms by users sending text to one another; some text chat participants may merely observe (“listen”).
- chat sessions may elect to enter or exit a session at will.
- users taking part in a chat are listed or otherwise indicated on each session user's computer screen in terms of “nicknames,” or “handles” to preserve user anonymity—a hallmark of chat and many other forms of online communications.
- chats or “private chats” have been provided in some online contexts by which a subset (self-selected or upon request by others) of the on line chatters are moved to a separate chat (virtual) venue.
- Another feature available in some chat sessions is “Instant Messaging” or similar-named facility by which one user in a chat session is able to send direct (text) messages to one or more other users taking part in the chat.
- selection usually by a screen message button
- selection results in a window on the selecting user's computer screen along with prompts for the intended message recipient and the content of the message.
- chat sessions described above are all text chat rooms, i.e., all communication is via text messages between the chat session users, provision has been made of late for voice chat rooms.
- voice chat rooms a number of users participate in a manner similar to a discussion by way of a telephone conference call.
- the mechanism by which such voice chat sessions operate is usually the same or very closely related to those used in text chats.
- a functional voice chat “layer” is added over what is basically a text chat session control mechanism, thereby reducing the number of changes required at the chat server to effectuate voice capabilities.
- Such voice chats proceed entirely within the chat server (or servers for distributed chat networks); no connection to the telephone network by the chatter (other than a data link via modern to a data network access point) is required. While such voice chat conversations typically prove satisfactory for many purposes, private voice chat room functionality has not emerged. Among the factors contributing to this condition are network host capacity and complexity of changes at such network chat hosts.
- the present invention overcomes limitations of the prior art and achieves a technical advance in providing anonymous voice communications using the telephone network and data communications links under the direction of a Call Broker and associated network elements.
- a user present in a chat room session establishes a data connection to a Call Broker site using, e.g., an Internet web browser.
- the initiator receives a call-control information applet from the Call Broker site to which it connected, thus establishing a Call Broker session.
- credit card information is advantageously captured in the browser to allow transfer over the Internet in encrypted form without requiring additional security measures in the applet.
- the session is to be billed to the initiator.
- the information received from the Call Broker typically includes session information and a Participant Authorization Code (PAC).
- PAC Participant Authorization Code
- the initiator uses the received session information in contacting the identified Call Broker, and enters the received participant code and a call-back number
- NAP Network Adjunct Processor
- NAP Network Adjunct Processor
- the need for each party to have a second subscriber line is advantageously avoided by having the Call Broker arrange to have the voice link for at least one selected (text) chat session participant (typically including the voice chat initiator) completed as a Voice over IP (VoIP) link.
- Voice links to one or more other participants in the voice call may be completed over the Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN) or otherwise than via VoIP links.
- PSTN Public Switched Telephone Network
- the call is advantageously sent to the Internet Service Provider (ISP) or other data network access provider serving the online called party.
- ISP Internet Service Provider
- the ISP or other access provider then causes a message to be sent to the online party sought to be engaged as a voice call participant.
- this message provides a range of options for the (called party) online user, e.g., to terminate the online session, to receive the incoming voice call through a VoIP link, or to have the incoming voice call rejected or delayed.
- the voice call is then handled in accordance with the option selected by the online user.
- FIG. 1 is an overall view of an illustrative system embodiment of the present invention showing the interconnection of a traditional voice network interconnected with the Internet through ISP access servers and voice over IP (VOIP) gateways.
- ISP Internet service provider
- VOIP voice over IP
- FIG. 2 shows a typical Network Adjunct Processor (NAP) in combination with a Call Broker for use in the illustrative system of FIG. 1 .
- NAP Network Adjunct Processor
- FIG. 3 shows a flow-sequence chart illustrating an alternative mode of operation of the network of FIG. 1 to achieve data and voice connections between or among users, which mode of operation avoids the need for each user to have two lines.
- FIG. 1 shows an illustrative network for use with a range of embodiments of the present invention.
- first and second pluralities of telephone stations 101 - 1 through 101 -M and 181 - 1 through 181 -N are shown connected to respective central offices 102 and 155 .
- These central offices are, in turn, connected to representative toll switches 110 and 140 to permit normal voice calling between telephone stations in respective pluralities of telephone stations.
- Central offices 102 and 155 are also shown connected to representative signal transfer points (STPs) 115 and 137 , which STPs are, in turn, shown interconnected through a signaling network of STPs also comprising STPs 135 , and 145 .
- STPs signal transfer points
- the illustrative network of FIG. 1 also includes additional toll switches 190 and 198 .
- some or all of the toll switches shown in FIG. 1 may be operated by a local exchange carrier (I RC), an interexchange carrier (IXC), or another entity. While each of the switches are shown interconnecting with STPs in FIG. 1 , it will be understood that, in particular cases, some switches may not themselves include SS 7 capabilities, and so are connected to the SS 7 network through another SS 7 -enabled switch.
- network services platforms 125 and 126 are shown interconnected with the standard voice network arrangement described so far with reference to FIG. 1 , illustrative network services platforms 125 and 126 , shown as including respective processors 131 and 127 , as well as respective database systems 129 and 128 .
- These latter service platforms are illustrative of so-called intelligent network platforms that include service control points, SCPs, (or network control points, NCPs), known in the art.
- network platforms include the well known 8xx (toll-free calling) and calling card platforms.
- platforms such as illustrative platforms 125 and 126 in FIG. 1 receive queries, commands or other information and illustratively provide routing, authentication and other control information.
- platform 126 advantageously serves as an SCP configured to provide calling card validation functionality.
- platform 126 is arranged to receive calling card queries from network switches through one or more of the STPs shown in FIG. 1 , and to provide authentication (or not) for the received account information and personal identification number (PIN) or other identification appropriate to the circumstances.
- PIN personal identification number
- telephone networks of the type shown generally in FIG. 1 may be found in the literature, including, e.g., Intelligent Networks , by Jan Thomer, Artech House, Norwood, Mass., 1994, and Signaling System 7, by T. Russell, McGrawHill, New York, 1995 .
- the network of FIG. 1 also shows first and second pluralities of computers, workstations or computer terminal devices (collectively, “computers”) appearing as 105 - 1 through 105 -P, and 182 - 1 through 182 -Q.
- These computers may be desktop or portable computers, or may be terminals connected through a centralized computer, all to provide users with keyboard and other input facilities (such as a mouse or other pointing device) and display facilities well known in the art.
- these computers are arranged to communicate over the PSTN or other telephone network using standard modems, and to connect to one or more Internet Service Providers (ISPs) through portions of such telephone networks for access to the Internet (shown as the “cloud” 195 in FIG. 1 ), including chat and messaging facilities of the Internet.
- ISPs Internet Service Providers
- Hardware in computers 105 -i and 182 -j will typically include a sound card, such as-the well-known SoundBlaster sound cards or those available form Voyetra Turtle Beach, Inc., for, among other things, converting speech inputs from a microphone into digitized speech signals and for converting received digitized speech signals into analog speech signals for driving a loudspeaker or earphones.
- a sound card such as-the well-known SoundBlaster sound cards or those available form Voyetra Turtle Beach, Inc.
- this sound card functionality is built into a computer motherboard, or may be provided in an external device used with the computer.
- Software executing in computers 105 -i and 182 -j will typically include an Internet “browser,” such as are available from Microsoft Corporation or Netscape Corporation, among others, for interacting with Internet facilities.
- browser software may be augmented by add-on or plug-in software for introducing or upgrading messaging and/or chat software.
- client and server software executing at an ISP access server, or related network server
- chat components such as mIRC client and server software by mIRC Co. Ltd. which is available on the Internet.
- Further information about well-known chat software and procedures is available from the Undernet User Committee web site. Of particular note is Network Working Group Request for Comments: 1459, by J. Oikarinen and D.
- a user at one of the computers, such as 105 - 1 in the network of FIG. 1 will gain access to an ISP access server, such as server 191 in FIG. 1 , through a dial-up connection by way of central office 102 and toll switch 190 .
- the ISP access server will connect directly to a central office, such as 102 in FIG. 1 , and in other cases, additional toll or other switches will be used to connect the user at computer 105 - 1 to an ISP server such as 191 in FIG. 1 .
- terminal 105 - 1 and 182 - 1 may be connected through respective ISP access servers 191 and 196 (which servers may be under the control of the same ISP, or independently controlled) to chat server 193 over the Internet.
- the chat server may, of course, actually be one of the access servers, or an ISP server connected in a distributed network with the access server—or the chat server may be independent of either or both of the ISPs.
- connections between computers such as 105 -i or 182 -j are typically to central offices such as 102 and 155 over normal dial-up subscriber telephone lines, e.g., from a user's home or office. While many homes and offices are supplied with more than one subscriber line, many locations, especially homes, have only a single active subscriber line entering the premises. In other cases where more than one subscriber line may be present, the user of a computer such as 105 - 1 may only be allowed to use one subscriber line for all of his/her communications. For example, in a two-line household, one line may be reserved for business or other dedicated purpose of one member of the household. Thus, all Internet connections and voice conversations by other members of the household normally must be pursued using the remaining line.
- a user at a location with only a single available line is active in an Internet session, e.g., to a chat room, the line is unavailable to originate or receive normal telephone calls using a telephone such as 101 - 1 .
- a computer such as 105 - 1 and a telephone station set such as 101 - 1 may have separate subscriber lines and may be active simultaneously without conflict.
- PAC Participant Authorization Code
- the first user will typically provide payment information and a callback telephone number.
- the Call Broker seeks to establish a telephone connection between the chat participants electing to take part, usually including the first user.
- the anonymity of the telephone call participants is maintained, as it typically is in the text chat session.
- the message provides information regarding a telephone call directed to the subscriber line currently being used for the online call.
- a user is typically presented with a range of options, including terminating the computer call in favor of receiving the incoming voice call on a telephone set.
- the '587 patent is hereby incorporated by reference in the present application as if set forth in its entirety herein.
- Voice - Over - IP Enhanced Chat The present detailed description will now treat extensions and enhancements of prior voice chat arrangements described above. In one aspect, we describe modification to the network of FIG. 1 as presented above, and further describe alternative modes of operation of such a modified network.
- VoIP voice-over-IP
- IP Internet Protocol
- voice packets may be delivered to a VoIP “gateway” where, after suitable authentication and collection of billing or account data, they are delivered through the Internet or other LP network for ultimate delivery to one or more call participants.
- VoIP gateways and associated network elements are available from many suppliers. For example, eFusion, Inc., Lucent Technologies, Inc and VocalTec Communications market such VoIP gateways and related products to enable interconnections between the Public Switched Telephone Network and data networks (including the Internet).
- the Internet Engineering Task Force (IETF) the iNOW industry consortium and other standards bodies are considering various proposals for enabling Internet telephony applications. Other aspects of VoIP are described, e.g., in Delivering Voice over IP Networks , by D. Minoli and E. Minoli, John Wiley & Sons, 1998.
- an eFusion EP telephony gateway is used to interact with Internet-enabled client software (including, e.g., Internet Call Assistant—ICA-software) at a host computer, such as user computer 105 - 1 in FIG. 1 .
- the VoIP client software at user computer 105 - 1 is typically provided as a plug-in to the browser software otherwise operating at that computer when online.
- This client VoIP software will illustratively provide for a login at the exemplary eFusion VoIP gateway, e.g., 192 in FIG. 1 , each time the user at computer 105 - 1 gains access to the Internet through illustrative ISP 191 in FIG. 1 .
- the VoIP login (which typically is effected automatically by the plug-in software, without overt action by the user) provides gateway 192 with information that user 105 - 1 is online to the Internet and can receive incoming IP packets from the gateway when required.
- chat server 193 For present illustrative purposes, it suffices to treat text chat sessions as existing between chat clients at user computers such as 105 - 1 and 182 - 1 through respective ISP access servers such as 191 and 196 to a chat server 193 in FIG. 1 .
- the actual chat server function may be provided at the ISP access server (or networked in a distributed ISP network to a related ISP chat server), or by another entity providing the chat function on the Internet.
- Call Broker 199 receives requests from a first Internet user (hereinafter the “host”) and, after performing authentication and account operations, provides the above described session and PAC code information to the host. Upon appropriate further access by those possessing session and PAC information (hereinafter, the “participants”), and upon receipt of callback numbers for the participants, Call Broker 199 seeks to complete telephone calls to those participants at their respective callback numbers.
- the host a first Internet user
- the “participants” Upon appropriate further access by those possessing session and PAC information (hereinafter, the “participants”), and upon receipt of callback numbers for the participants, Call Broker 199 seeks to complete telephone calls to those participants at their respective callback numbers.
- Alternative modes of operation of such a Call Broker in the context of the network of FIG. 1 will be described in the sequel.
- NAP 133 An additional network element shown in FIG. 1 is Network Adjunct Processor 133 interposed between PSTN elements (STP 145 , toll switch 198 ) and Call Broker 199 .
- NAP 133 advantageously provides bridging of calls setup by Call Broker 199 and typically acts in response to control signals from Call Broker 199 . More particularly, as shown in FIG. 2 , Call Broker 199 receives requests over input 201 to set up calls from users participating in chat rooms and elsewhere in Internet or other data network sessions.
- Call Broker processor 205 operating under control of a program stored in memory 210 , and responding to input requests through Internet Protocol (IP) interface 225 , sends queries (typically over SS 7 signaling links 216 , via SS 7 facilities unit 215 ) to a validation server such as card server platform 126 in FIG. 1 .
- IP Internet Protocol
- Call Broker 199 is shown in FIG. 2 as including a validation database 218 for interacting with processor 205 in accordance with well known validation processes.
- Signaling information exchanged (via SS 7 links 216 or otherwise) will typically be employed to perform call rating and billing operations, as is known in the art. Other particular account validation, and particular call rating and billing arrangements, will be employed by those skilled in the art as circumstances may suggest.
- Call Broker 199 Upon receipt of authorization from validation server 126 (or other validation source), Call Broker 199 sets up voice links as will be described below.
- NAP 133 receives control information on path 230 from the call setup facilities of Call Broker 199 and hands off originations from Call Broker 199 to the PSTN. These call originations from Call Broker 199 pass through NAP 133 , illustratively via voice trunks 240 and 270 . Also shown passing by way of NAP 133 are SS 7 links 263 to the PSTN, which links are used by call setup unit 220 and processor 205 in Call Broker 215 in establishing connections to the parties to a desired voice call. In particular, answer signaling information indicating that a called party answers a voice call setup by Call Broker 199 is used to pass control information over path 230 to bridge processor 260 in NAP 133 as shown in FIG. 2 .
- NAP When calls to two or more parties to a desired voice call have answered the calls setup by Call Broker 199 (and therefore are available for bridging), NAP provides the selective bridging of calls passing from Call Broker 199 to the PSTN. As shown in FIG. 2 , NAP 133 includes bridge 250 . In performing its interaction with Call Broker 199 , NAP advantageously performs such network functions as collecting DTMF digits, playing tones and prompts and selectively muting a call leg.
- Call Broker 199 may be implemented as a special purpose platform or may be realized as a well-known PBX with standard SS 7 and IP interface facilities.
- PBX Packet Backbone Network
- Many so-called unPBX systems, or generally programmable switches, will likewise find application in this context. For a description of such unPBX systems, reference may be had to Computer Telephony , May, 1997, pp. 20-97.
- NAP 133 may likewise be implemented using a special purpose bridging platform, or using well known PBX (or unPBX) or other programmable switches.
- Call Broker 199 and NAP 133 may provide separate functionality in separate physical systems, it will prove advantageous in many applications to combine the data, signaling and PSTN interfaces and the described switching and call control functionality in a single unit with combined or coordinated processing and memory. Call setup and bridging functions are individually well known and are readily combined in a single unit such as a PBX or unPBX.
- FIG. 3 is a flow-sequence diagram illustrating operations at and between elements of the network of FIG. 1 in processing voice calls in cooperation with ongoing (text) chat operations.
- a description of the operations shown in FIG. 3 will proceed primarily in terms of voice calling between a first (originating) user (“the host”) and a second network user, the “participant.”
- This mode of operation is conveniently referred to as a one-to-one voice call. It will be recognized, however, that the operations to be described can be applied in a context of plural participants, i.e., a one-to-many voice call scenario, or voice chat “conference call.
- PSTN 300 is used in FIG.
- Network Adjunct Processor 133 and Call Broker 199 are platforms of the type shown in FIG. 2 for performing the functions and steps to be described in the following elaboration of processing in accordance with FIG. 3 .
- an illustrative sequence begins (Step 0 ) with host computer 105 - 1 logging onto the VoIP gateway 192 , using, e.g., the above-noted eFusion VoIP functionality in host computer 105 - 1 cooperating with gateway 192 (or 197 ). Since this log-on process typically occurs each time the user logs onto the Internet, it is accompanied by the busying of the available subscriber phone line.
- This log-in process between illustrative computer 105 - 1 and VoIP system 192 typically includes an exchange of messages whereby the computer 105 - 1 sends a login ID/password and its current IP address; gateway 192 compares the login ID/password to previously-provisioned information stored in tables at gateway 192 and returns a confirmation message if the comparison yields a match.
- an existing (or a newly entered) text chat illustratively gives rise to a desire on the part of the host user to establish a voice telephone call with one (or more) participants.
- the host 105 - 1 sends a request (Step 1 ) to the Call Broker 199 seeking to create a voice call by way of the chat session, and including billing or account information—typically calling card (or pre-paid card) account and PIN information.
- billing or account information typically calling card (or pre-paid card) account and PIN information.
- the calling card information is compared with existing account information (Step 1 A) to validate the card information.
- Step 2 the Call Broker (Step 2 ) returns session ID information to the host 105 - 1 .
- the information returned to host 105 - 1 will include not only a session ID but also a PAC code.
- the host 105 - 1 passes (Step 3 ) the session ID and other necessary information (e.g., PAC code, where applicable) to the desired voice call participant (illustratively, the user at computer 182 - 1 ).
- Such notification will typically be by way of a private message (e.g., a direct message in the text chat session) to the desired participant.
- a notified text chat participant receiving the voice call session information from the host and desiring to participate in the voice call then sends (Step 3 A) the session ID (and PAC, as appropriate) to the Call Broker 199 along with a callback number.
- the Call Broker then places a call to the host at the assigned VoIP gateway number supplied by the host at Step 1 ; the call is processed through the NAP (Step 4 B) and is sent through the PSTN 300 to the illustrative VoIP gateway 192 associated with computer 105 - 1 (Step 4 C).
- Identification of the IP address of the host (illustratively 105 - 1 ) by Call Broker 199 is conveniently accomplished by using the callback number provided by the host when contacting the Call Broker.
- a callback number is provided to VoIP gateway 192 which is conveniently used as a key into account records for the subscribing user.
- the callback number supplied by the host upon requesting the current voice call session from Call Broker 199 is then used to identify the online status of the destination VoIP link, as well as the corresponding IP address.
- the VoIP gateway 192 then rings the Internet telephone at the host computer (Step 5 A) and, upon answer by the Internet telephone (Step 5 B), answers the call from Call Broker 199 by way of PSTN 300 and NAP 133 (Step 6 ). Having the call connected from the host, the Call Broker then dials the participant (Step 7 ) at the callback number provided by the participant. Unlike the call placed by the Call Broker to the host (Step 4 ), the call to the participant is advantageously placed over the PSTN (by way of the NAP) directly to the participant's telephone, here assumedly telephone 181 - 1 . When the participant answers (Step 8 ) at telephone 181 - 1 the call is extended through the PSTN to the NAP. Upon receipt of the answer by both the host and the participant, the NAP advantageously bridges the call. It will be appreciated that the use of VoIP gateway in communication with host 105 - 1 avoids the need for two subscriber lines at the host location.
- the termination is signaled to the NAP, which then terminates the bridge and sends accounting information to the Call Broker, if not already present at the latter. If more than one participant has been bridged on to a voice call using the above-described steps, then departure of each participant will be detected at the NAP and accumulating billing concluded for the departing participant's voice link. The accumulated total for each link will then be added to the total billing for the host. In some cases, all voice call links (and billing for these links) will be terminated upon departure of the host from the bridged call.
- the Call Broker can advantageously incorporate call setup optimization techniques, based, e.g., on the location of the callback numbers and congestion and available bandwidth for VoIP calls to determine which links progress over the PSTN and which links employ VoIP processing.
- a second subscriber line at participants' locations can also be avoided in accordance with another illustrative embodiment of the present invention.
- This approach may be used, for example, when a call is placed by Call Broker 199 through NAP 310 to a would-be participant in a voice call (as described above), and that user has no available subscriber line. This unavailability will typically occur because a subscriber line at that location continues to be used for a text chat session or other data application using computer 182 - 1 . Recall that in seeking to participate in the voice call the user at computer 182 - 1 supplies Call Broker 199 with a callback number. Thus, by providing the number of the line that the computer 182 - 1 is connected to, the would-be participant is seeking to have the voice call completed through computer 182 - 1 , if at all, in the same fashion as was described for the host.
- the attempted call by NAP 310 illustratively employs the call notification technique of U.S. Pat. 5,805,587 (hereinafter '587 patent).
- the attempted call to the subscriber line that is busy with a data connection by computer 182 - 1 through its ISP access server 196 is advantageously forwarded in accordance with the teachings of the '587 patent to the ISP access server 196 (sometimes referred to as Internet Access Server or IAS).
- IAS Internet Access Server
- ISP SCP 125 may be maintained in a network database system represented by ISP SCP 125 in FIG. 1 .
- SCP 125 is seen to include ISP database 129 and ISP service processor 131 , each generally of the form used for other PSTN network services. Additional information stored at SCP 125 will include, in appropriate cases, alternative subscriber lines, IP addresses or other termination possibilities, such as voice message recording devices, call forwarding locations and the like.
- the ISP SCP 125 may serve more than one ISP, but typically relies on login and logoff information supplied by participating ISPs over SS 7 links (shown in FIG. 1 ) or IP or other data messages (not shown). Information stored in ISP SCP 125 may be used to supplement information stored at Call Broker 199 or VoIP gateways 192 , 197 or at other Internet nodes.
- Call Broker 199 is shown in the representative network of FIG. 1 , it should be understood that many such Call Brokers can be included. Moreover, these plural Call Brokers may be networked and may serve as proxies for other Call Brokers as is known in standard Internet practice. In networks including plural Call Brokers session information forwarded to desired voice call participants will include information identifying the appropriate Call Broker(s).
- Call Broker 199 may cause voice links to be established to one or more non-chat-participant lines, either through PSTN links or through VoIP links.
Landscapes
- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Signal Processing (AREA)
- Multimedia (AREA)
- Computer Networks & Wireless Communication (AREA)
- General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Business, Economics & Management (AREA)
- General Business, Economics & Management (AREA)
- Telephonic Communication Services (AREA)
- Data Exchanges In Wide-Area Networks (AREA)
Abstract
Description
- This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/643,005, filed on Dec. 21, 2009, now U.S. Pat. No. 8,355,349, issued on Jan. 15, 2013, which is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/189,281, filed on Jul. 26, 2005, now U.S. Pat. No. 7,660,294, issued on Feb. 9, 2010, which is a continuation of prior application Ser. No. 09/326,263, filed on Jun. 7, 1999, now U.S. Pat. No. 7,039,040, issued on May 2, 2006, all of which are herein incorporated by reference in their entirety.
- The present invention relates generally to the field of telecommunications networks. More particularly, the present invention relates, in one aspect, to combined networks for simultaneous voice and data communications. Still more particularly, aspects of the present invention relate to voice communications using data network protocols while permitting anonymous voice conversation participants to maintain separate simultaneous data communications links with each other or other online users.
- Currently, communications using the Internet (or other data network) permit users to communicate with one another anonymously over dialed-up or other access lines. For example, online service providers allow users to connect their personal computers (PCs) together for purposes of anonymously communicating with one another in online text discussions using so-called “channels,” “virtual rooms” or “chat” rooms (or any of a number of similar constructs). Text “chats” take place in such chat rooms by users sending text to one another; some text chat participants may merely observe (“listen”). Once a chat session is in place, online service users may elect to enter or exit a session at will. Generally, users taking part in a chat are listed or otherwise indicated on each session user's computer screen in terms of “nicknames,” or “handles” to preserve user anonymity—a hallmark of chat and many other forms of online communications.
- Recently, features such as “sub-chats” or “private chats” have been provided in some online contexts by which a subset (self-selected or upon request by others) of the on line chatters are moved to a separate chat (virtual) venue. Another feature available in some chat sessions is “Instant Messaging” or similar-named facility by which one user in a chat session is able to send direct (text) messages to one or more other users taking part in the chat. Thus, if side comments not appropriate for general observation are desired between two users, selection (usually by a screen message button) of the instant messaging feature results in a window on the selecting user's computer screen along with prompts for the intended message recipient and the content of the message. When the message originator completes these fields and a Send (or similar) screen button is pressed (clicked on), the message is sent privately to the intended recipient using the hosting chat server's message facilities. Typical uses of these instant messages include setting up private chat rooms and inviting others to join. While the chat sessions described above are all text chat rooms, i.e., all communication is via text messages between the chat session users, provision has been made of late for voice chat rooms. In typical voice chat rooms a number of users participate in a manner similar to a discussion by way of a telephone conference call. The mechanism by which such voice chat sessions operate is usually the same or very closely related to those used in text chats. Thus, in typical arrangement, a functional voice chat “layer” is added over what is basically a text chat session control mechanism, thereby reducing the number of changes required at the chat server to effectuate voice capabilities. Such voice chats proceed entirely within the chat server (or servers for distributed chat networks); no connection to the telephone network by the chatter (other than a data link via modern to a data network access point) is required. While such voice chat conversations typically prove satisfactory for many purposes, private voice chat room functionality has not emerged. Among the factors contributing to this condition are network host capacity and complexity of changes at such network chat hosts.
- One approach to introducing voice communications between a chat session is described in co-pending patent application entitled “Anonymous Voice Communication” by R. B. Leipow, Ser. No. 08/673865, filed Jul. 2, 1996 and assigned to the assignee of the present application. In that application, which is hereby incorporated by reference in the present application as if set forth in its entirety herein, a trusted agent is used to establish voice communications between online parties while maintaining anonymity of the parties. The trusted agent is illustratively implemented as an adjunct to processor functions at a network server, such as an online chat server. Other recent voice chat improvements are described in copending application Ser. No. 09/111,672 by A. DeSimone entitled “Anonymous Voice Communication Using OnLine Controls,” filed Jul. 8, 1998 and assigned to the assignee of the present application. This last-cited application is also hereby incorporated by reference as if set forth in its entirety herein.
- While efforts to achieve anonymous telephone communications between users in contexts like online chat sessions have proven possible, such efforts have generally required significant modifications at an online server. In addition, prior voice chat arrangements have typically required that each participant in the voice conversation either have two telephone lines, or have required that the existing online text chat or other data connection be terminated and the subscriber telephone line used with a normal voice telephone.
- The present invention overcomes limitations of the prior art and achieves a technical advance in providing anonymous voice communications using the telephone network and data communications links under the direction of a Call Broker and associated network elements.
- In an illustrative embodiment, a user (the call initiator) present in a chat room session establishes a data connection to a Call Broker site using, e.g., an Internet web browser. After using the browser or the like to provide appropriate billing qualification (e.g., using credit card information) and to provide a callback number, the initiator receives a call-control information applet from the Call Broker site to which it connected, thus establishing a Call Broker session. As is known, credit card information is advantageously captured in the browser to allow transfer over the Internet in encrypted form without requiring additional security measures in the applet. In this first illustrative implementation, the session is to be billed to the initiator.
- The information received from the Call Broker typically includes session information and a Participant Authorization Code (PAC). Using an instant messaging or similar mechanism, the initiator causes session information and participant codes to be passed to one or more selected chat participants in the current chat room. When a chosen participant uses the received session information in contacting the identified Call Broker, and enters the received participant code and a call-back number, the Call Broker in cooperation with a Network Adjunct Processor (NAP) completes voice links to the initiator and the selected participant(s), typically in that order. The telephone call is thereby completed between the initiator and selected chat session participant(s) without sharing telephone numbers. The process of supplying session and PAC (or similar authorization) information can be used to add other participants in the text chat room to the voice session.
- In accordance with an aspect of the present invention, the need for each party to have a second subscriber line is advantageously avoided by having the Call Broker arrange to have the voice link for at least one selected (text) chat session participant (typically including the voice chat initiator) completed as a Voice over IP (VoIP) link. Voice links to one or more other participants in the voice call may be completed over the Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN) or otherwise than via VoIP links.
- In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, when a PSTN link that the Call Broker (acting in cooperation with a NAP) seeks to make to a call participant is found to be busy (with the ongoing text chat conversation or other online call), the call is advantageously sent to the Internet Service Provider (ISP) or other data network access provider serving the online called party. The ISP or other access provider then causes a message to be sent to the online party sought to be engaged as a voice call participant. Typically, this message provides a range of options for the (called party) online user, e.g., to terminate the online session, to receive the incoming voice call through a VoIP link, or to have the incoming voice call rejected or delayed. The voice call is then handled in accordance with the option selected by the online user.
- The above-summarized description of illustrative embodiments of the present invention will be more fully understood upon a consideration of the following detailed description and the attached drawing, wherein:
-
FIG. 1 is an overall view of an illustrative system embodiment of the present invention showing the interconnection of a traditional voice network interconnected with the Internet through ISP access servers and voice over IP (VOIP) gateways. -
FIG. 2 shows a typical Network Adjunct Processor (NAP) in combination with a Call Broker for use in the illustrative system ofFIG. 1 . -
FIG. 3 shows a flow-sequence chart illustrating an alternative mode of operation of the network ofFIG. 1 to achieve data and voice connections between or among users, which mode of operation avoids the need for each user to have two lines. -
FIG. 1 shows an illustrative network for use with a range of embodiments of the present invention. There, first and second pluralities of telephone stations 101-1 through 101-M and 181-1 through 181-N are shown connected to respectivecentral offices representative toll switches Central offices STPs FIG. 1 also includes additional toll switches 190 and 198. In appropriate circumstances, some or all of the toll switches shown inFIG. 1 may be operated by a local exchange carrier (I RC), an interexchange carrier (IXC), or another entity. While each of the switches are shown interconnecting with STPs inFIG. 1 , it will be understood that, in particular cases, some switches may not themselves include SS7 capabilities, and so are connected to the SS7 network through another SS7-enabled switch. - Also shown interconnected with the standard voice network arrangement described so far with reference to
FIG. 1 are illustrativenetwork services platforms respective processors respective database systems illustrative platforms FIG. 1 receive queries, commands or other information and illustratively provide routing, authentication and other control information. - In the illustrative network embodiment shown in
FIG. 1 ,platform 126 advantageously serves as an SCP configured to provide calling card validation functionality. Thusplatform 126 is arranged to receive calling card queries from network switches through one or more of the STPs shown inFIG. 1 , and to provide authentication (or not) for the received account information and personal identification number (PIN) or other identification appropriate to the circumstances. - Further descriptions of telephone networks of the type shown generally in
FIG. 1 may be found in the literature, including, e.g., Intelligent Networks, by Jan Thomer, Artech House, Norwood, Mass., 1994, andSignaling System 7, by T. Russell, McGrawHill, New York, 1995. - The network of
FIG. 1 also shows first and second pluralities of computers, workstations or computer terminal devices (collectively, “computers”) appearing as 105-1 through 105-P, and 182-1 through 182-Q. These computers may be desktop or portable computers, or may be terminals connected through a centralized computer, all to provide users with keyboard and other input facilities (such as a mouse or other pointing device) and display facilities well known in the art. In typical operation, these computers are arranged to communicate over the PSTN or other telephone network using standard modems, and to connect to one or more Internet Service Providers (ISPs) through portions of such telephone networks for access to the Internet (shown as the “cloud” 195 inFIG. 1 ), including chat and messaging facilities of the Internet. - Hardware in computers 105-i and 182-j will typically include a sound card, such as-the well-known SoundBlaster sound cards or those available form Voyetra Turtle Beach, Inc., for, among other things, converting speech inputs from a microphone into digitized speech signals and for converting received digitized speech signals into analog speech signals for driving a loudspeaker or earphones. In some cases this sound card functionality is built into a computer motherboard, or may be provided in an external device used with the computer.
- Software executing in computers 105-i and 182-j will typically include an Internet “browser,” such as are available from Microsoft Corporation or Netscape Corporation, among others, for interacting with Internet facilities. In some cases, such browser software may be augmented by add-on or plug-in software for introducing or upgrading messaging and/or chat software. In one illustrative case, both user (client) and server software (executing at an ISP access server, or related network server) will be based on well-known chat components such as mIRC client and server software by mIRC Co. Ltd. which is available on the Internet. Further information about well-known chat software and procedures is available from the Undernet User Committee web site. Of particular note is Network Working Group Request for Comments: 1459, by J. Oikarinen and D. Reed, May, 1993, available at the Undernet web site. This latter document presents a version of the Internet Relay Chat (IRC) Protocol that has provided important bases for current chat implementations. Other particular client/server implementations of various chat functionalities include several quIRC chat software modules and those available from Activerse, Inc. Client software is also available as components of browser software and from ISPs such as AT&T Worldnet and America Online for interacting over chat and messaging facilities.
- In illustrative operation of the network of
FIG. 1 for Internet connections, a user at one of the computers, such as 105-1 in the network ofFIG. 1 will gain access to an ISP access server, such asserver 191 inFIG. 1 , through a dial-up connection by way ofcentral office 102 andtoll switch 190. In some cases, the ISP access server will connect directly to a central office, such as 102 inFIG. 1 , and in other cases, additional toll or other switches will be used to connect the user at computer 105-1 to an ISP server such as 191 inFIG. 1 . - Once connected to access
server 191, the user at computer 105-1, and other users at other computers such as computers 105-i and 182-j shown inFIG. 1 , will typically login in well known fashion and begin interacting with Internet facilities. Among the activities pursued by users are the aforementioned chat facilities. For example, terminal 105-1 and 182-1 may be connected through respectiveISP access servers 191 and 196 (which servers may be under the control of the same ISP, or independently controlled) to chatserver 193 over the Internet. The chat server may, of course, actually be one of the access servers, or an ISP server connected in a distributed network with the access server—or the chat server may be independent of either or both of the ISPs. - It will be appreciated that connections between computers such as 105-i or 182-j are typically to central offices such as 102 and 155 over normal dial-up subscriber telephone lines, e.g., from a user's home or office. While many homes and offices are supplied with more than one subscriber line, many locations, especially homes, have only a single active subscriber line entering the premises. In other cases where more than one subscriber line may be present, the user of a computer such as 105-1 may only be allowed to use one subscriber line for all of his/her communications. For example, in a two-line household, one line may be reserved for business or other dedicated purpose of one member of the household. Thus, all Internet connections and voice conversations by other members of the household normally must be pursued using the remaining line.
- Accordingly, when a user at a location with only a single available line is active in an Internet session, e.g., to a chat room, the line is unavailable to originate or receive normal telephone calls using a telephone such as 101-1. In other cases, of course, a computer such as 105-1 and a telephone station set such as 101-1 may have separate subscriber lines and may be active simultaneously without conflict.
- One application of the teachings of the incorporated DeSimone application, Ser. No. 09/111,672, permits a first user engaged in a text chat session to contact a “Call Broker” to obtain a so-called “Participant Authorization Code” (PAC) and a session identifier, which information is then supplied to one or more other chat participants. The first user will typically provide payment information and a callback telephone number. When one or more of the other chat participants contacts the Call Broker and supplies the session and PAC information (typically provided in the chat or messaging context by the first user), along with respective callback telephone numbers, the Call Broker seeks to establish a telephone connection between the chat participants electing to take part, usually including the first user. Using this approach, the anonymity of the telephone call participants is maintained, as it typically is in the text chat session.
- Of course, if one or more of the would-be participants in the telephone call has but a single available subscriber line at the user location, then an attempt by the Call Broker to complete a telephone call to the callback number over the PSTN will normally not be successful if the user at that location continues to be active in the Internet text chat session or other computer calling activity. This problem is addressed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,805,587, issued on Sep. 8, 1998 to J. H. Norris and T. L. Russell and assigned to the assignee of the present invention. In one aspect, the last-cited patent (hereinafter, the '587 patent) describes sending of a message to a user who is online to an ISP or other server. The message provides information regarding a telephone call directed to the subscriber line currently being used for the online call. A user is typically presented with a range of options, including terminating the computer call in favor of receiving the incoming voice call on a telephone set. The '587 patent is hereby incorporated by reference in the present application as if set forth in its entirety herein. Voice-Over-IP Enhanced ChatThe present detailed description will now treat extensions and enhancements of prior voice chat arrangements described above. In one aspect, we describe modification to the network of
FIG. 1 as presented above, and further describe alternative modes of operation of such a modified network. - The term “voice-over-IP” (VoIP) has come to reflect a variety of network elements, techniques and technologies, all contributing, in one way or another, to the transmission of a voice call in accordance with the Internet Protocol (IP) over at least a part of its path between one or more voice callers and one or more other voice call participants. Thus, a voice telephone call in digital form is segmented in well-known ways into packets for transmission in the same form as for other IP sessions, such as for text information over computer connections to chat rooms. These voice information packets may be routed to a voice chat server, which often operates in a “layer” above the normal text chat—as noted above.
- In other cases, voice packets may be delivered to a VoIP “gateway” where, after suitable authentication and collection of billing or account data, they are delivered through the Internet or other LP network for ultimate delivery to one or more call participants. VoIP gateways and associated network elements are available from many suppliers. For example, eFusion, Inc., Lucent Technologies, Inc and VocalTec Communications market such VoIP gateways and related products to enable interconnections between the Public Switched Telephone Network and data networks (including the Internet). The Internet Engineering Task Force (IETF), the iNOW industry consortium and other standards bodies are considering various proposals for enabling Internet telephony applications. Other aspects of VoIP are described, e.g., in Delivering Voice over IP Networks, by D. Minoli and E. Minoli, John Wiley & Sons, 1998.
- In an illustrative application of VoIP arising from text chat sessions, an eFusion EP telephony gateway is used to interact with Internet-enabled client software (including, e.g., Internet Call Assistant—ICA-software) at a host computer, such as user computer 105-1 in
FIG. 1 . The VoIP client software at user computer 105-1 is typically provided as a plug-in to the browser software otherwise operating at that computer when online. This client VoIP software will illustratively provide for a login at the exemplary eFusion VoIP gateway, e.g., 192 inFIG. 1 , each time the user at computer 105-1 gains access to the Internet throughillustrative ISP 191 inFIG. 1 . Among other things, the VoIP login (which typically is effected automatically by the plug-in software, without overt action by the user) providesgateway 192 with information that user 105-1 is online to the Internet and can receive incoming IP packets from the gateway when required. - For present illustrative purposes, it suffices to treat text chat sessions as existing between chat clients at user computers such as 105-1 and 182-1 through respective ISP access servers such as 191 and 196 to a
chat server 193 inFIG. 1 . As will be understood by those skilled in the art, the actual chat server function may be provided at the ISP access server (or networked in a distributed ISP network to a related ISP chat server), or by another entity providing the chat function on the Internet. - Also included in the network of
FIG. 1 is aCall Broker 199 of the type described generally in the above-cited incorporated DeSimone patent application. In particular,Call Broker 199 receives requests from a first Internet user (hereinafter the “host”) and, after performing authentication and account operations, provides the above described session and PAC code information to the host. Upon appropriate further access by those possessing session and PAC information (hereinafter, the “participants”), and upon receipt of callback numbers for the participants,Call Broker 199 seeks to complete telephone calls to those participants at their respective callback numbers. Alternative modes of operation of such a Call Broker in the context of the network ofFIG. 1 will be described in the sequel. - An additional network element shown in
FIG. 1 is NetworkAdjunct Processor 133 interposed between PSTN elements (STP 145, toll switch 198) andCall Broker 199.NAP 133 advantageously provides bridging of calls setup byCall Broker 199 and typically acts in response to control signals fromCall Broker 199. More particularly, as shown inFIG. 2 ,Call Broker 199 receives requests overinput 201 to set up calls from users participating in chat rooms and elsewhere in Internet or other data network sessions. CallBroker processor 205, operating under control of a program stored inmemory 210, and responding to input requests through Internet Protocol (IP)interface 225, sends queries (typically overSS7 signaling links 216, via SS7 facilities unit 215) to a validation server such ascard server platform 126 inFIG. 1 . In some embodiments, it proves useful to provide for local account validation atCall Broker 199. Thus,Call Broker 199 is shown inFIG. 2 as including avalidation database 218 for interacting withprocessor 205 in accordance with well known validation processes. - Signaling information exchanged (via
SS7 links 216 or otherwise) will typically be employed to perform call rating and billing operations, as is known in the art. Other particular account validation, and particular call rating and billing arrangements, will be employed by those skilled in the art as circumstances may suggest. Upon receipt of authorization from validation server 126 (or other validation source),Call Broker 199 sets up voice links as will be described below. - Network Adjunct Processor (NAP) 133 receives control information on path 230 from the call setup facilities of
Call Broker 199 and hands off originations fromCall Broker 199 to the PSTN. These call originations fromCall Broker 199 pass throughNAP 133, illustratively viavoice trunks NAP 133 are SS7 links 263 to the PSTN, which links are used bycall setup unit 220 andprocessor 205 inCall Broker 215 in establishing connections to the parties to a desired voice call. In particular, answer signaling information indicating that a called party answers a voice call setup byCall Broker 199 is used to pass control information over path 230 to bridgeprocessor 260 inNAP 133 as shown inFIG. 2 . When calls to two or more parties to a desired voice call have answered the calls setup by Call Broker 199 (and therefore are available for bridging), NAP provides the selective bridging of calls passing fromCall Broker 199 to the PSTN. As shown inFIG. 2 ,NAP 133 includesbridge 250. In performing its interaction withCall Broker 199, NAP advantageously performs such network functions as collecting DTMF digits, playing tones and prompts and selectively muting a call leg. - Thus, using the facilities of
FIGS. 1 and 2 voice calls are completed between users present in a text chat room while preserving host and other participant anonymity.Call Broker 199 may be implemented as a special purpose platform or may be realized as a well-known PBX with standard SS7 and IP interface facilities. Many so-called unPBX systems, or generally programmable switches, will likewise find application in this context. For a description of such unPBX systems, reference may be had to Computer Telephony, May, 1997, pp. 20-97.NAP 133 may likewise be implemented using a special purpose bridging platform, or using well known PBX (or unPBX) or other programmable switches. WhileCall Broker 199 andNAP 133 may provide separate functionality in separate physical systems, it will prove advantageous in many applications to combine the data, signaling and PSTN interfaces and the described switching and call control functionality in a single unit with combined or coordinated processing and memory. Call setup and bridging functions are individually well known and are readily combined in a single unit such as a PBX or unPBX. -
FIG. 3 is a flow-sequence diagram illustrating operations at and between elements of the network ofFIG. 1 in processing voice calls in cooperation with ongoing (text) chat operations. For purposes of simplicity of presentation, a description of the operations shown inFIG. 3 will proceed primarily in terms of voice calling between a first (originating) user (“the host”) and a second network user, the “participant.” This mode of operation is conveniently referred to as a one-to-one voice call. It will be recognized, however, that the operations to be described can be applied in a context of plural participants, i.e., a one-to-many voice call scenario, or voice chat “conference call.PSTN 300 is used inFIG. 3 to represent the telephone network switches, including central offices, STPs and standard telephone network platforms such ascalling card SCP 126. NetworkAdjunct Processor 133 andCall Broker 199 are platforms of the type shown inFIG. 2 for performing the functions and steps to be described in the following elaboration of processing in accordance withFIG. 3 . - A typical operating sequence in accordance with
FIG. 3 will now be followed in order of the numbered steps shown there. In particular, an illustrative sequence begins (Step 0) with host computer 105-1 logging onto theVoIP gateway 192, using, e.g., the above-noted eFusion VoIP functionality in host computer 105-1 cooperating with gateway 192 (or 197). Since this log-on process typically occurs each time the user logs onto the Internet, it is accompanied by the busying of the available subscriber phone line. - This log-in process between illustrative computer 105-1 and
VoIP system 192 typically includes an exchange of messages whereby the computer 105-1 sends a login ID/password and its current IP address;gateway 192 compares the login ID/password to previously-provisioned information stored in tables atgateway 192 and returns a confirmation message if the comparison yields a match. - With log-on to the VoIP gateway established, an existing (or a newly entered) text chat illustratively gives rise to a desire on the part of the host user to establish a voice telephone call with one (or more) participants. Toward this end, the host 105-1 sends a request (Step 1) to the
Call Broker 199 seeking to create a voice call by way of the chat session, and including billing or account information—typically calling card (or pre-paid card) account and PIN information. Assuming the call is to be billed to a calling card for which the host is an authorized user, the calling card information is compared with existing account information (Step 1A) to validate the card information. In some cases it will prove convenient to provide validation services locally with respect to the Call Broker, and in other circumstances use of a network database such as calling card validation server (SCP) 126 shown inFIG. 1 . WhenCall Broker 199 receives validation of the account information (e.g., fromSCP 126 or from local data base 126), the Call Broker (Step 2) returns session ID information to the host 105-1. Using the construct of the incorporated DeSimone patent application, the information returned to host 105-1 will include not only a session ID but also a PAC code. - The host 105-1 passes (Step 3) the session ID and other necessary information (e.g., PAC code, where applicable) to the desired voice call participant (illustratively, the user at computer 182-1). Such notification will typically be by way of a private message (e.g., a direct message in the text chat session) to the desired participant. A notified text chat participant receiving the voice call session information from the host and desiring to participate in the voice call then sends (
Step 3A) the session ID (and PAC, as appropriate) to theCall Broker 199 along with a callback number. The Call Broker then places a call to the host at the assigned VoIP gateway number supplied by the host atStep 1; the call is processed through the NAP (Step 4B) and is sent through thePSTN 300 to theillustrative VoIP gateway 192 associated with computer 105-1 (Step 4C). Identification of the IP address of the host (illustratively 105-1) byCall Broker 199 is conveniently accomplished by using the callback number provided by the host when contacting the Call Broker. Thus, as part of the service subscription by users such as the user at computer 105-1, a callback number is provided toVoIP gateway 192 which is conveniently used as a key into account records for the subscribing user. The callback number supplied by the host upon requesting the current voice call session fromCall Broker 199 is then used to identify the online status of the destination VoIP link, as well as the corresponding IP address. - The
VoIP gateway 192 then rings the Internet telephone at the host computer (Step 5A) and, upon answer by the Internet telephone (Step 5B), answers the call fromCall Broker 199 by way ofPSTN 300 and NAP 133 (Step 6). Having the call connected from the host, the Call Broker then dials the participant (Step 7) at the callback number provided by the participant. Unlike the call placed by the Call Broker to the host (Step 4), the call to the participant is advantageously placed over the PSTN (by way of the NAP) directly to the participant's telephone, here assumedly telephone 181-1. When the participant answers (Step 8) at telephone 181-1 the call is extended through the PSTN to the NAP. Upon receipt of the answer by both the host and the participant, the NAP advantageously bridges the call. It will be appreciated that the use of VoIP gateway in communication with host 105-1 avoids the need for two subscriber lines at the host location. - When one of the host or participant terminates the call, the termination is signaled to the NAP, which then terminates the bridge and sends accounting information to the Call Broker, if not already present at the latter. If more than one participant has been bridged on to a voice call using the above-described steps, then departure of each participant will be detected at the NAP and accumulating billing concluded for the departing participant's voice link. The accumulated total for each link will then be added to the total billing for the host. In some cases, all voice call links (and billing for these links) will be terminated upon departure of the host from the bridged call.
- While the foregoing description has proceeded in terms of a voice call including a VoIP call link to the host, and a normal PSTN link to one or more participants, nothing in the present invention prevents a participant other than the host from being linked to the voice conversation over a VoIP link, nor for the host to be connected to the voice call via the PSTN instead of one or more other participants. In appropriate cases, both the host and all participants can be connected over VoIP links using the above-described process. The Call Broker can advantageously incorporate call setup optimization techniques, based, e.g., on the location of the callback numbers and congestion and available bandwidth for VoIP calls to determine which links progress over the PSTN and which links employ VoIP processing.
- A second subscriber line at participants' locations can also be avoided in accordance with another illustrative embodiment of the present invention. This approach may be used, for example, when a call is placed by
Call Broker 199 throughNAP 310 to a would-be participant in a voice call (as described above), and that user has no available subscriber line. This unavailability will typically occur because a subscriber line at that location continues to be used for a text chat session or other data application using computer 182-1. Recall that in seeking to participate in the voice call the user at computer 182-1supplies Call Broker 199 with a callback number. Thus, by providing the number of the line that the computer 182-1 is connected to, the would-be participant is seeking to have the voice call completed through computer 182-1, if at all, in the same fashion as was described for the host. - In accordance with the present alternative embodiment, the attempted call by
NAP 310 illustratively employs the call notification technique of U.S. Pat. 5,805,587 (hereinafter '587 patent). In particular, the attempted call to the subscriber line that is busy with a data connection by computer 182-1 through itsISP access server 196 is advantageously forwarded in accordance with the teachings of the '587 patent to the ISP access server 196 (sometimes referred to as Internet Access Server or IAS). Using the incorporated teachings of the '587 patent, a message is sent to the computer 182-1 by the ISP access server informing the user at computer 182-1 of the arrival of a voice message and presenting a number of alternatives for handling the call. (In many cases it will be unnecessary to present a full range of alternatives because the user at computer 182-1 has very recently indicated an interest in taking part in a voice call.) In the general case, one alternative is to continue to use the computer for the text chat or other data connections and to also receive the voice call as converted to streaming audio or an Internet voice call. An illustrative arrangement given in the '587 patent describes the use of VocalTec software for performing the required packetizing, depacketizing and related functions used in communicating the voice call to a computer such as 182-1 inFIG. 1 . - While the above-described embodiments are couched in terms of IP protocol messages and the Internet, those skilled in the art will recognize that other particular data communications protocols may be used for communicating digitized voice signals. Likewise, the characteristics of the Internet and other networks continue to evolve. Chat techniques are not uniquely associated with the Internet, nor the IP protocol.
- While many of the aspects of the PSTN described above involve use of the SS7 signaling protocol, other particular signaling techniques may be used in appropriate circumstances. For example, the well-known ISDN signaling protocols can be used for many applications of the present invention.
- The functionalities of the NAP described in illustrative embodiments above may, of course, be combined with those of the Call Broker, or one may be used as an adjunct to the other or to another network element, such as a PBX or PSTN switch.
- While validation of host charging information was couched in terms of calling card processing in the above descriptions of illustrative embodiments, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that prepaid calling card account identification and PIN validation may be employed as well.
- Likewise, the online status of a desired voice call participant, and therefore the availability of at least one subscriber line to receive a PSTN voice call, as well as the current IP address of such an online would-be voice call participant, may be maintained in a network database system represented by
ISP SCP 125 inFIG. 1 .SCP 125 is seen to includeISP database 129 andISP service processor 131, each generally of the form used for other PSTN network services. Additional information stored atSCP 125 will include, in appropriate cases, alternative subscriber lines, IP addresses or other termination possibilities, such as voice message recording devices, call forwarding locations and the like. TheISP SCP 125 may serve more than one ISP, but typically relies on login and logoff information supplied by participating ISPs over SS7 links (shown inFIG. 1 ) or IP or other data messages (not shown). Information stored inISP SCP 125 may be used to supplement information stored atCall Broker 199 orVoIP gateways - Though only a
single Call Broker 199 is shown in the representative network ofFIG. 1 , it should be understood that many such Call Brokers can be included. Moreover, these plural Call Brokers may be networked and may serve as proxies for other Call Brokers as is known in standard Internet practice. In networks including plural Call Brokers session information forwarded to desired voice call participants will include information identifying the appropriate Call Broker(s). - Though the voice call links established by
Call Broker 199 in the above-described illustrative embodiments were all links to existing text chat participants, in appropriate circumstances the host (or other authorizing participant) may request that Call Broker set up links to other voice call participants. In such cases,Call Broker 199 may cause voice links to be established to one or more non-chat-participant lines, either through PSTN links or through VoIP links.
Claims (14)
Priority Applications (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US13/687,340 US8891410B2 (en) | 1999-06-07 | 2012-11-28 | Voice-over-IP enabled chat |
Applications Claiming Priority (4)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US09/326,263 US7039040B1 (en) | 1999-06-07 | 1999-06-07 | Voice-over-IP enabled chat |
US11/189,281 US7660294B2 (en) | 1999-06-07 | 2005-07-26 | Voice-over-IP enabled chat |
US12/643,005 US8355349B2 (en) | 1999-06-07 | 2009-12-21 | Voice-over-IP enabled chat |
US13/687,340 US8891410B2 (en) | 1999-06-07 | 2012-11-28 | Voice-over-IP enabled chat |
Related Parent Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US12/643,005 Continuation US8355349B2 (en) | 1999-06-07 | 2009-12-21 | Voice-over-IP enabled chat |
Publications (2)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
US20130156024A1 true US20130156024A1 (en) | 2013-06-20 |
US8891410B2 US8891410B2 (en) | 2014-11-18 |
Family
ID=23271489
Family Applications (4)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US09/326,263 Expired - Fee Related US7039040B1 (en) | 1999-06-07 | 1999-06-07 | Voice-over-IP enabled chat |
US11/189,281 Expired - Fee Related US7660294B2 (en) | 1999-06-07 | 2005-07-26 | Voice-over-IP enabled chat |
US12/643,005 Expired - Fee Related US8355349B2 (en) | 1999-06-07 | 2009-12-21 | Voice-over-IP enabled chat |
US13/687,340 Expired - Fee Related US8891410B2 (en) | 1999-06-07 | 2012-11-28 | Voice-over-IP enabled chat |
Family Applications Before (3)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US09/326,263 Expired - Fee Related US7039040B1 (en) | 1999-06-07 | 1999-06-07 | Voice-over-IP enabled chat |
US11/189,281 Expired - Fee Related US7660294B2 (en) | 1999-06-07 | 2005-07-26 | Voice-over-IP enabled chat |
US12/643,005 Expired - Fee Related US8355349B2 (en) | 1999-06-07 | 2009-12-21 | Voice-over-IP enabled chat |
Country Status (5)
Country | Link |
---|---|
US (4) | US7039040B1 (en) |
EP (1) | EP1059798B1 (en) |
BR (1) | BR0002174A (en) |
CA (1) | CA2310307C (en) |
DE (1) | DE60036330T2 (en) |
Cited By (52)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US20100150139A1 (en) * | 2008-10-01 | 2010-06-17 | Jeffrey Lawson | Telephony Web Event System and Method |
US20110176537A1 (en) * | 2010-01-19 | 2011-07-21 | Jeffrey Lawson | Method and system for preserving telephony session state |
US8737962B2 (en) | 2012-07-24 | 2014-05-27 | Twilio, Inc. | Method and system for preventing illicit use of a telephony platform |
US8738051B2 (en) | 2012-07-26 | 2014-05-27 | Twilio, Inc. | Method and system for controlling message routing |
US8737593B2 (en) | 2009-03-02 | 2014-05-27 | Twilio, Inc. | Method and system for a multitenancy telephone network |
US8755376B2 (en) | 2008-04-02 | 2014-06-17 | Twilio, Inc. | System and method for processing telephony sessions |
US8838707B2 (en) | 2010-06-25 | 2014-09-16 | Twilio, Inc. | System and method for enabling real-time eventing |
US8837465B2 (en) | 2008-04-02 | 2014-09-16 | Twilio, Inc. | System and method for processing telephony sessions |
US8938053B2 (en) | 2012-10-15 | 2015-01-20 | Twilio, Inc. | System and method for triggering on platform usage |
US8948356B2 (en) | 2012-10-15 | 2015-02-03 | Twilio, Inc. | System and method for routing communications |
US9001666B2 (en) | 2013-03-15 | 2015-04-07 | Twilio, Inc. | System and method for improving routing in a distributed communication platform |
US9137127B2 (en) | 2013-09-17 | 2015-09-15 | Twilio, Inc. | System and method for providing communication platform metadata |
US9160696B2 (en) | 2013-06-19 | 2015-10-13 | Twilio, Inc. | System for transforming media resource into destination device compatible messaging format |
US9210275B2 (en) | 2009-10-07 | 2015-12-08 | Twilio, Inc. | System and method for running a multi-module telephony application |
US9225840B2 (en) | 2013-06-19 | 2015-12-29 | Twilio, Inc. | System and method for providing a communication endpoint information service |
US9226217B2 (en) | 2014-04-17 | 2015-12-29 | Twilio, Inc. | System and method for enabling multi-modal communication |
US9240941B2 (en) | 2012-05-09 | 2016-01-19 | Twilio, Inc. | System and method for managing media in a distributed communication network |
US9246694B1 (en) | 2014-07-07 | 2016-01-26 | Twilio, Inc. | System and method for managing conferencing in a distributed communication network |
US9247062B2 (en) | 2012-06-19 | 2016-01-26 | Twilio, Inc. | System and method for queuing a communication session |
US9253254B2 (en) | 2013-01-14 | 2016-02-02 | Twilio, Inc. | System and method for offering a multi-partner delegated platform |
US9251371B2 (en) | 2014-07-07 | 2016-02-02 | Twilio, Inc. | Method and system for applying data retention policies in a computing platform |
US9282124B2 (en) | 2013-03-14 | 2016-03-08 | Twilio, Inc. | System and method for integrating session initiation protocol communication in a telecommunications platform |
US9325624B2 (en) | 2013-11-12 | 2016-04-26 | Twilio, Inc. | System and method for enabling dynamic multi-modal communication |
US9338280B2 (en) | 2013-06-19 | 2016-05-10 | Twilio, Inc. | System and method for managing telephony endpoint inventory |
US9338018B2 (en) | 2013-09-17 | 2016-05-10 | Twilio, Inc. | System and method for pricing communication of a telecommunication platform |
US9336500B2 (en) | 2011-09-21 | 2016-05-10 | Twilio, Inc. | System and method for authorizing and connecting application developers and users |
US9338064B2 (en) | 2010-06-23 | 2016-05-10 | Twilio, Inc. | System and method for managing a computing cluster |
US9344573B2 (en) | 2014-03-14 | 2016-05-17 | Twilio, Inc. | System and method for a work distribution service |
US9350642B2 (en) | 2012-05-09 | 2016-05-24 | Twilio, Inc. | System and method for managing latency in a distributed telephony network |
US9363301B2 (en) | 2014-10-21 | 2016-06-07 | Twilio, Inc. | System and method for providing a micro-services communication platform |
US9398622B2 (en) | 2011-05-23 | 2016-07-19 | Twilio, Inc. | System and method for connecting a communication to a client |
US9455949B2 (en) | 2011-02-04 | 2016-09-27 | Twilio, Inc. | Method for processing telephony sessions of a network |
US9459925B2 (en) | 2010-06-23 | 2016-10-04 | Twilio, Inc. | System and method for managing a computing cluster |
US9459926B2 (en) | 2010-06-23 | 2016-10-04 | Twilio, Inc. | System and method for managing a computing cluster |
US9477975B2 (en) | 2015-02-03 | 2016-10-25 | Twilio, Inc. | System and method for a media intelligence platform |
US9483328B2 (en) | 2013-07-19 | 2016-11-01 | Twilio, Inc. | System and method for delivering application content |
US9495227B2 (en) | 2012-02-10 | 2016-11-15 | Twilio, Inc. | System and method for managing concurrent events |
US9516101B2 (en) | 2014-07-07 | 2016-12-06 | Twilio, Inc. | System and method for collecting feedback in a multi-tenant communication platform |
US9553799B2 (en) | 2013-11-12 | 2017-01-24 | Twilio, Inc. | System and method for client communication in a distributed telephony network |
US9590849B2 (en) | 2010-06-23 | 2017-03-07 | Twilio, Inc. | System and method for managing a computing cluster |
US9602586B2 (en) | 2012-05-09 | 2017-03-21 | Twilio, Inc. | System and method for managing media in a distributed communication network |
US9641677B2 (en) | 2011-09-21 | 2017-05-02 | Twilio, Inc. | System and method for determining and communicating presence information |
US9648006B2 (en) | 2011-05-23 | 2017-05-09 | Twilio, Inc. | System and method for communicating with a client application |
US9774687B2 (en) | 2014-07-07 | 2017-09-26 | Twilio, Inc. | System and method for managing media and signaling in a communication platform |
US9811398B2 (en) | 2013-09-17 | 2017-11-07 | Twilio, Inc. | System and method for tagging and tracking events of an application platform |
US9948703B2 (en) | 2015-05-14 | 2018-04-17 | Twilio, Inc. | System and method for signaling through data storage |
US10063713B2 (en) | 2016-05-23 | 2018-08-28 | Twilio Inc. | System and method for programmatic device connectivity |
US10165015B2 (en) | 2011-05-23 | 2018-12-25 | Twilio Inc. | System and method for real-time communication by using a client application communication protocol |
US10419891B2 (en) | 2015-05-14 | 2019-09-17 | Twilio, Inc. | System and method for communicating through multiple endpoints |
US10659349B2 (en) | 2016-02-04 | 2020-05-19 | Twilio Inc. | Systems and methods for providing secure network exchanged for a multitenant virtual private cloud |
US10686902B2 (en) | 2016-05-23 | 2020-06-16 | Twilio Inc. | System and method for a multi-channel notification service |
US11637934B2 (en) | 2010-06-23 | 2023-04-25 | Twilio Inc. | System and method for monitoring account usage on a platform |
Families Citing this family (119)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US20040193722A1 (en) * | 1999-08-30 | 2004-09-30 | Donovan Kevin Remington Joseph Bartholomew | Universal instant messaging system for the internet |
US20060167986A1 (en) * | 1999-08-30 | 2006-07-27 | Trzyna Peter K | Internet telephone system |
US6987756B1 (en) * | 1999-10-07 | 2006-01-17 | Nortel Networks Limited | Multi-mode endpoint in a communication network system and methods thereof |
US20010027384A1 (en) * | 2000-03-01 | 2001-10-04 | Schulze Arthur E. | Wireless internet bio-telemetry monitoring system and method |
US7701925B1 (en) * | 2000-03-22 | 2010-04-20 | Tekelec | Presence registration and routing node |
US7043457B1 (en) | 2000-06-28 | 2006-05-09 | Probuild, Inc. | System and method for managing and evaluating network commodities purchasing |
US7849170B1 (en) * | 2000-07-31 | 2010-12-07 | Sprint Communications Company L.P. | Dynamically providing communication accounts using a communication account system |
US7099304B2 (en) | 2000-09-05 | 2006-08-29 | Flexiworld Technologies, Inc. | Apparatus, methods and systems for anonymous communication |
FI110740B (en) * | 2000-09-08 | 2003-03-14 | Nokia Corp | Conference Call |
US20070005969A1 (en) * | 2005-07-02 | 2007-01-04 | Addnclick, Inc. | Anonymous communication system and method |
US20030018725A1 (en) * | 2000-10-20 | 2003-01-23 | Tod Turner | System and method for using an instant messaging environment to establish a hosted application sharing session |
DE10104581A1 (en) * | 2001-02-01 | 2002-08-08 | Snom Technology Ag | Method for controlling a telephone device |
EP1229686A1 (en) | 2001-02-02 | 2002-08-07 | Siemens Aktiengesellschaft | Method for verifying callback information used for initiating callbacks over the internet |
US7085842B2 (en) * | 2001-02-12 | 2006-08-01 | Open Text Corporation | Line navigation conferencing system |
DE10117679B4 (en) * | 2001-04-09 | 2006-04-27 | Siemens Ag | A method of exchanging messages and information during a telephone conference |
US6697474B1 (en) * | 2001-05-16 | 2004-02-24 | Worldcom, Inc. | Systems and methods for receiving telephone calls via instant messaging |
US7054939B2 (en) * | 2001-06-28 | 2006-05-30 | Bellsouth Intellectual Property Corportion | Simultaneous visual and telephonic access to interactive information delivery |
US6677976B2 (en) | 2001-10-16 | 2004-01-13 | Sprint Communications Company, LP | Integration of video telephony with chat and instant messaging environments |
US7058689B2 (en) | 2001-10-16 | 2006-06-06 | Sprint Communications Company L.P. | Sharing of still images within a video telephony call |
US7046269B2 (en) | 2001-10-16 | 2006-05-16 | Sprint Communications Company L.P. | Sharing of prerecorded motion video over an internetwork |
US7385621B2 (en) | 2001-10-16 | 2008-06-10 | Sprint Communications Company L.P. | Private sharing of computer resources over an internetwork |
US7099288B1 (en) | 2001-10-16 | 2006-08-29 | Sprint Communications Company L.P. | Telephonic addressing for establishing simultaneous voice and computer network connections |
US8605711B1 (en) * | 2001-12-17 | 2013-12-10 | Verizon Business Global Llc | Small office or home office (SOHO) IP phone service |
EP1333637A1 (en) * | 2002-01-31 | 2003-08-06 | Koninklijke KPN N.V. | Telecommunication method and system |
CA2472953A1 (en) | 2002-02-14 | 2003-08-21 | Andrew Charles Zmolek | Presence tracking and name space interconnection techniques |
US7917581B2 (en) | 2002-04-02 | 2011-03-29 | Verizon Business Global Llc | Call completion via instant communications client |
US8856236B2 (en) * | 2002-04-02 | 2014-10-07 | Verizon Patent And Licensing Inc. | Messaging response system |
WO2003085913A1 (en) * | 2002-04-02 | 2003-10-16 | Worldcom, Inc. | Telephony services system with instant communications enhancements |
US6947411B2 (en) | 2002-10-21 | 2005-09-20 | Sprint Communications Company L.P. | Digital data communication system using video telephony |
US7525950B1 (en) | 2002-10-30 | 2009-04-28 | Sbc Properties, L.P. | Calling card system for voice and data transmission over a public network |
US7023980B2 (en) * | 2002-12-04 | 2006-04-04 | Avaya Technology Corp. | Outbound dialing decision criteria based |
US7474741B2 (en) * | 2003-01-20 | 2009-01-06 | Avaya Inc. | Messaging advise in presence-aware networks |
US8392173B2 (en) | 2003-02-10 | 2013-03-05 | At&T Intellectual Property I, L.P. | Message translations |
US8027438B2 (en) * | 2003-02-10 | 2011-09-27 | At&T Intellectual Property I, L.P. | Electronic message translations accompanied by indications of translation |
US7461126B2 (en) * | 2003-10-30 | 2008-12-02 | Radvision Ltd. | System and method for distributed multipoint conferencing with automatic endpoint address detection and dynamic endpoint-server allocation |
US20070083922A1 (en) * | 2003-11-24 | 2007-04-12 | Richard Reiner | Network session re-construction |
US7729688B2 (en) | 2003-12-08 | 2010-06-01 | Ipventure, Inc. | Systems and processes to manage multiple modes of communication |
US7305438B2 (en) * | 2003-12-09 | 2007-12-04 | International Business Machines Corporation | Method and system for voice on demand private message chat |
US7848312B2 (en) * | 2003-12-09 | 2010-12-07 | Telcordia Technologies, Inc. | Method and systems for toll-free internet protocol communication services |
US8223747B2 (en) | 2004-02-13 | 2012-07-17 | Yahoo! Inc. | Predictive communication routing scheme using instant messaging preferences and/or settings for routing packet traffic for voice, video and other multimedia communications |
US9398152B2 (en) * | 2004-02-25 | 2016-07-19 | Avaya Inc. | Using business rules for determining presence |
CA2470010A1 (en) * | 2004-06-01 | 2005-12-01 | Voice Courier Mobile Inc. | System and method for establishing a call |
US7769154B1 (en) | 2004-06-09 | 2010-08-03 | Avaya Inc. | Aggregated perceived presence |
DE102004032225B4 (en) * | 2004-07-02 | 2007-07-12 | Siemens Ag | Method and device for setting up and operating a communication connection |
US10645562B2 (en) | 2004-09-21 | 2020-05-05 | Agis Software Development Llc | Method to provide ad hoc and password protected digital and voice networks |
US8538393B1 (en) | 2004-09-21 | 2013-09-17 | Advanced Ground Information Systems, Inc. | Method to provide ad hoc and password protected digital and voice networks |
WO2006044452A2 (en) * | 2004-10-13 | 2006-04-27 | Pulver. Com | Systems and methods for advanced communications and contol |
DE102004061356A1 (en) * | 2004-12-21 | 2006-07-06 | Deutsche Telekom Ag | Method and device for communicating in a telecommunication network |
KR100770828B1 (en) * | 2005-01-28 | 2007-10-26 | 삼성전자주식회사 | Method for providing 1:1 call during conference call in mobile terminal |
US8204052B2 (en) * | 2005-05-02 | 2012-06-19 | Tekelec, Inc. | Methods, systems, and computer program products for dynamically coordinating collection and distribution of presence information |
AU2005202680A1 (en) * | 2005-06-20 | 2007-01-11 | Gravity Ventures Pty Ltd | Information system for telecommunications |
US20070036316A1 (en) * | 2005-07-29 | 2007-02-15 | Marian Croak | Method and apparatus for protecting calling party identification |
US20070147350A1 (en) * | 2005-12-27 | 2007-06-28 | Bangor Aaron W | System for predefined voice-over-Internet-protocol call parameters |
US7590229B2 (en) * | 2005-12-27 | 2009-09-15 | At&T Intellectual Property I, L.P. | System for prompting the caller before and after voice-over-internet-protocol call connection |
US20070162553A1 (en) * | 2006-01-10 | 2007-07-12 | Dewing Shane R | Interactive moderated voice chat system |
US20070192427A1 (en) * | 2006-02-16 | 2007-08-16 | Viktors Berstis | Ease of use feature for audio communications within chat conferences |
US8150014B2 (en) * | 2006-04-11 | 2012-04-03 | Alcatel Lucent | System and method for transitioning a voice session in progress over a communication network into a voice and data session |
US20080005011A1 (en) * | 2006-06-14 | 2008-01-03 | Microsoft Corporation | Managing information solicitations across a network |
US20070294349A1 (en) * | 2006-06-15 | 2007-12-20 | Microsoft Corporation | Performing tasks based on status information |
US20080004880A1 (en) * | 2006-06-15 | 2008-01-03 | Microsoft Corporation | Personalized speech services across a network |
US20070291923A1 (en) * | 2006-06-19 | 2007-12-20 | Amy Hsieh | Method and apparatus for the purchase, sale and facilitation of voice over internet protocol (VoIP) consultations |
US20080010124A1 (en) * | 2006-06-27 | 2008-01-10 | Microsoft Corporation | Managing commitments of time across a network |
US8953756B2 (en) | 2006-07-10 | 2015-02-10 | International Business Machines Corporation | Checking for permission to record VoIP messages |
US8503622B2 (en) * | 2006-09-15 | 2013-08-06 | International Business Machines Corporation | Selectively retrieving VoIP messages |
US20080107045A1 (en) * | 2006-11-02 | 2008-05-08 | Viktors Berstis | Queuing voip messages |
US8150003B1 (en) | 2007-01-23 | 2012-04-03 | Avaya Inc. | Caller initiated undivert from voicemail |
US8751572B1 (en) * | 2007-06-20 | 2014-06-10 | Google Inc. | Multi-user chat search and access to chat archive |
US20110019662A1 (en) | 2007-06-28 | 2011-01-27 | Rebelvox Llc | Method for downloading and using a communication application through a web browser |
US8533611B2 (en) * | 2009-08-10 | 2013-09-10 | Voxer Ip Llc | Browser enabled communication device for conducting conversations in either a real-time mode, a time-shifted mode, and with the ability to seamlessly shift the conversation between the two modes |
US8180029B2 (en) | 2007-06-28 | 2012-05-15 | Voxer Ip Llc | Telecommunication and multimedia management method and apparatus |
US20100198923A1 (en) * | 2009-01-30 | 2010-08-05 | Rebelvox Llc | Methods for using the addressing, protocols and the infrastructure of email to support near real-time communication |
US8688789B2 (en) * | 2009-01-30 | 2014-04-01 | Voxer Ip Llc | Progressive messaging apparatus and method capable of supporting near real-time communication |
US9178916B2 (en) | 2007-06-28 | 2015-11-03 | Voxer Ip Llc | Real-time messaging method and apparatus |
US8645477B2 (en) * | 2009-01-30 | 2014-02-04 | Voxer Ip Llc | Progressive messaging apparatus and method capable of supporting near real-time communication |
US8825772B2 (en) * | 2007-06-28 | 2014-09-02 | Voxer Ip Llc | System and method for operating a server for real-time communication of time-based media |
US11095583B2 (en) | 2007-06-28 | 2021-08-17 | Voxer Ip Llc | Real-time messaging method and apparatus |
US7751362B2 (en) * | 2007-10-19 | 2010-07-06 | Rebelvox Llc | Graceful degradation for voice communication services over wired and wireless networks |
US8233598B2 (en) * | 2007-10-19 | 2012-07-31 | Voxer Ip Llc | Telecommunication and multimedia management method and apparatus |
US8090867B2 (en) * | 2007-10-19 | 2012-01-03 | Voxer Ip Llc | Telecommunication and multimedia management method and apparatus |
US8250181B2 (en) * | 2007-10-19 | 2012-08-21 | Voxer Ip Llc | Method and apparatus for near real-time synchronization of voice communications |
US8111713B2 (en) * | 2007-10-19 | 2012-02-07 | Voxer Ip Llc | Telecommunication and multimedia management method and apparatus |
US8391312B2 (en) * | 2007-10-19 | 2013-03-05 | Voxer Ip Llc | Telecommunication and multimedia management method and apparatus |
US8782274B2 (en) * | 2007-10-19 | 2014-07-15 | Voxer Ip Llc | Method and system for progressively transmitting a voice message from sender to recipients across a distributed services communication network |
US8699678B2 (en) * | 2007-10-19 | 2014-04-15 | Voxer Ip Llc | Telecommunication and multimedia management method and apparatus |
US7751361B2 (en) | 2007-10-19 | 2010-07-06 | Rebelvox Llc | Graceful degradation for voice communication services over wired and wireless networks |
US8145780B2 (en) * | 2007-10-19 | 2012-03-27 | Voxer Ip Llc | Telecommunication and multimedia management method and apparatus |
US8321581B2 (en) * | 2007-10-19 | 2012-11-27 | Voxer Ip Llc | Telecommunication and multimedia management method and apparatus |
US8099512B2 (en) * | 2007-10-19 | 2012-01-17 | Voxer Ip Llc | Method and system for real-time synchronization across a distributed services communication network |
US8001261B2 (en) * | 2007-10-19 | 2011-08-16 | Voxer Ip Llc | Telecommunication and multimedia management method and apparatus |
US8706907B2 (en) * | 2007-10-19 | 2014-04-22 | Voxer Ip Llc | Telecommunication and multimedia management method and apparatus |
US8699383B2 (en) * | 2007-10-19 | 2014-04-15 | Voxer Ip Llc | Method and apparatus for real-time synchronization of voice communications |
US8380874B2 (en) * | 2007-10-19 | 2013-02-19 | Voxer Ip Llc | Telecommunication and multimedia management method and apparatus |
US8559319B2 (en) * | 2007-10-19 | 2013-10-15 | Voxer Ip Llc | Method and system for real-time synchronization across a distributed services communication network |
US20090103529A1 (en) * | 2007-10-19 | 2009-04-23 | Rebelvox, Llc | Telecommunication and multimedia management method and apparatus |
US8682336B2 (en) * | 2007-10-19 | 2014-03-25 | Voxer Ip Llc | Telecommunication and multimedia management method and apparatus |
GB2455766A (en) * | 2007-12-20 | 2009-06-24 | Byteborne Technologies Ltd | Anonymously routing messages between source and respondent devices based on a predetermined subject identifier set by the source device. |
US20090197233A1 (en) * | 2008-02-06 | 2009-08-06 | Ordinate Corporation | Method and System for Test Administration and Management |
US8321582B2 (en) | 2008-02-08 | 2012-11-27 | Voxer Ip Llc | Communication application for conducting conversations including multiple media types in either a real-time mode or a time-shifted mode |
US9054912B2 (en) | 2008-02-08 | 2015-06-09 | Voxer Ip Llc | Communication application for conducting conversations including multiple media types in either a real-time mode or a time-shifted mode |
US8542804B2 (en) * | 2008-02-08 | 2013-09-24 | Voxer Ip Llc | Voice and text mail application for communication devices |
US8401583B2 (en) * | 2008-04-11 | 2013-03-19 | Voxer Ip Llc | Time-shifting for push to talk voice communication systems |
EP2307976A4 (en) * | 2008-06-13 | 2011-11-16 | Tekelec Us | Methods, systems, and computer readable media for providing presence data from multiple presence information providers |
US8325662B2 (en) * | 2008-09-17 | 2012-12-04 | Voxer Ip Llc | Apparatus and method for enabling communication when network connectivity is reduced or lost during a conversation and for resuming the conversation when connectivity improves |
US20100125791A1 (en) * | 2008-11-14 | 2010-05-20 | Rebelvox, Llc | User interface for a telecommunication and multimedia management system and method |
US8831645B2 (en) * | 2008-11-24 | 2014-09-09 | Tekelec, Inc. | Methods, systems, and computer readable media for providing geo-location proximity updates to a presence system |
US8447287B2 (en) * | 2008-12-05 | 2013-05-21 | Voxer Ip Llc | System and method for reducing RF radiation exposure for a user of a mobile communication device by saving transmission containing non time-sensitive media until the user of the mobile communication device is a safe distance away from the user |
US8849927B2 (en) * | 2009-01-30 | 2014-09-30 | Voxer Ip Llc | Method for implementing real-time voice messaging on a server node |
US8315249B2 (en) * | 2009-05-22 | 2012-11-20 | Comcast Cable Communications, Llc | Integration of voice chat services |
US8301581B2 (en) | 2009-09-24 | 2012-10-30 | Avaya Inc. | Group compositing algorithms for presence |
US9094354B2 (en) * | 2009-09-30 | 2015-07-28 | Avaya Inc. | Facilitating real-time communications in electronic message boards |
US20130298040A1 (en) * | 2010-04-30 | 2013-11-07 | American Teleconferencing Services, Ltd. | Systems, Methods, and Computer Programs for Providing Simultaneous Online Conferences |
US20120114108A1 (en) * | 2010-09-27 | 2012-05-10 | Voxer Ip Llc | Messaging communication application |
US10133442B2 (en) * | 2013-06-08 | 2018-11-20 | Tencent Technology (Shenzhen) Company Limited | Method and apparatus for accessing a chat room |
JP6260131B2 (en) * | 2013-07-26 | 2018-01-17 | 株式会社リコー | Communication management system, communication terminal, communication system, and program |
US9277354B2 (en) | 2013-10-30 | 2016-03-01 | Sprint Communications Company L.P. | Systems, methods, and software for receiving commands within a mobile communications application |
TWI542171B (en) * | 2013-12-18 | 2016-07-11 | Alpha Networks Inc | Automatically set the way the gateway device |
US10692156B2 (en) | 2014-09-05 | 2020-06-23 | Thomas Skala | Payment system and method |
US9705997B2 (en) * | 2015-06-30 | 2017-07-11 | Timothy Dorcey | Systems and methods for location-based social networking |
FR3067547A1 (en) * | 2017-06-19 | 2018-12-14 | Orange | METHOD OF ESTABLISHING COMMUNICATION WITH AN INTERACTIVE SERVER |
Citations (5)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US6078581A (en) * | 1997-09-12 | 2000-06-20 | Genesys Telecommunications Laboratories, Inc. | Internet call waiting |
US6212261B1 (en) * | 1996-08-14 | 2001-04-03 | Nortel Networks Limited | Internet-based telephone call manager |
US6272126B1 (en) * | 1997-07-24 | 2001-08-07 | Bell Atlantic Network Services, Inc. | Internetwork telephony with enhanced features |
US6353611B1 (en) * | 1995-11-27 | 2002-03-05 | At&T Corp. | Call waiting feature for a telephone line connected to the internet |
US6463146B1 (en) * | 1996-07-03 | 2002-10-08 | British Telecommunications Public Limited Company | Call waiting service in a telecommunications network |
Family Cites Families (44)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US3671865A (en) * | 1964-12-03 | 1972-06-20 | Us Navy | Automatic net participant synchronizer |
US6717938B1 (en) * | 1999-04-15 | 2004-04-06 | J2 Global Communications, Inc. | System controlling use of a communication channel |
JP3247540B2 (en) * | 1994-05-12 | 2002-01-15 | 株式会社日立製作所 | Packetized communication device and switching device |
US5943399A (en) * | 1995-09-29 | 1999-08-24 | Northern Telecom Limited | Methods and apparatus for providing communications to telecommunications terminals |
US5805587A (en) | 1995-11-27 | 1998-09-08 | At&T Corp. | Call notification feature for a telephone line connected to the internet |
US5809128A (en) * | 1996-11-01 | 1998-09-15 | Interactive Telecom Inc. | Method and apparatus permitting notification and control of blocked incoming calls over a data network |
US5721763A (en) * | 1996-01-31 | 1998-02-24 | At&T Corp | Method for providing information during a chat session |
US6148067A (en) * | 1996-07-02 | 2000-11-14 | At&T Corp. | Anonymous voice communication |
US5907677A (en) | 1996-08-23 | 1999-05-25 | Ecall Inc. | Method for establishing anonymous communication links |
US6031836A (en) * | 1996-09-13 | 2000-02-29 | Lucent Technologies Inc. | Web-page interface to telephony features |
US5963547A (en) * | 1996-09-18 | 1999-10-05 | Videoserver, Inc. | Method and apparatus for centralized multipoint conferencing in a packet network |
US5958014A (en) * | 1996-09-24 | 1999-09-28 | Intervoice Limited Partnership | System and method for establishing a real-time agent pool between computer systems |
US6785708B1 (en) * | 1996-10-30 | 2004-08-31 | Avaya Inc. | Method and apparatus for synchronizing browse and chat functions on a computer network |
US7145898B1 (en) * | 1996-11-18 | 2006-12-05 | Mci Communications Corporation | System, method and article of manufacture for selecting a gateway of a hybrid communication system architecture |
US5867494A (en) * | 1996-11-18 | 1999-02-02 | Mci Communication Corporation | System, method and article of manufacture with integrated video conferencing billing in a communication system architecture |
US6445694B1 (en) * | 1997-03-07 | 2002-09-03 | Robert Swartz | Internet controlled telephone system |
GB2323246B (en) * | 1997-03-15 | 2002-03-20 | Ibm | Internet telephony signal conversion |
US6337858B1 (en) * | 1997-10-10 | 2002-01-08 | Nortel Networks Limited | Method and apparatus for originating voice calls from a data network |
EP0913982B1 (en) * | 1997-11-03 | 2006-12-27 | Nortel Networks Limited | Message transfer system |
US6757274B1 (en) * | 1997-12-16 | 2004-06-29 | Bellsouth Intellectual Property Corporation | Method and apparatus for allowing selective disposition of an incoming telephone call during an internet session |
US6289333B1 (en) * | 1998-01-16 | 2001-09-11 | Aspect Communications Corp. | Methods and apparatus enabling dynamic resource collaboration when collaboration session host is distinct from resource host |
US6298356B1 (en) * | 1998-01-16 | 2001-10-02 | Aspect Communications Corp. | Methods and apparatus for enabling dynamic resource collaboration |
US7907598B2 (en) * | 1998-02-17 | 2011-03-15 | Genesys Telecommunication Laboratories, Inc. | Method for implementing and executing communication center routing strategies represented in extensible markup language |
US6346952B1 (en) * | 1999-12-01 | 2002-02-12 | Genesys Telecommunications Laboratories, Inc. | Method and apparatus for summarizing previous threads in a communication-center chat session |
US6353614B1 (en) * | 1998-03-05 | 2002-03-05 | 3Com Corporation | Method and protocol for distributed network address translation |
US7346671B2 (en) * | 1998-06-05 | 2008-03-18 | Instant Service.Com, Inc. | Real time internet communications system |
JP3560813B2 (en) * | 1998-06-11 | 2004-09-02 | 富士通株式会社 | Gateway device, terminal specifying method of gateway device, and computer-readable recording medium storing terminal specifying program |
US6452922B1 (en) * | 1998-06-19 | 2002-09-17 | Nortel Networks Limited | Method and apparatus for fallback routing of voice over internet protocol call |
US6175619B1 (en) * | 1998-07-08 | 2001-01-16 | At&T Corp. | Anonymous voice communication using on-line controls |
US7277424B1 (en) * | 1998-07-21 | 2007-10-02 | Dowling Eric M | Method and apparatus for co-socket telephony |
US6259691B1 (en) * | 1998-07-24 | 2001-07-10 | 3Com Corporation | System and method for efficiently transporting dual-tone multi-frequency/multiple frequency (DTMF/MF) tones in a telephone connection on a network-based telephone system |
US6389114B1 (en) * | 1998-08-06 | 2002-05-14 | At&T Corp. | Method and apparatus for relaying communication |
US7302051B1 (en) * | 1998-09-28 | 2007-11-27 | Aspect Software, Inc. | System and method for providing an automatic telephone call back from information provided at a data terminal |
US6801928B2 (en) * | 1998-11-12 | 2004-10-05 | Genesys Telecommunications Laboratories, Inc. | Dynamic translation between data network-based protocol in a data-packet-network and interactive voice response functions of a telephony network |
US6665395B1 (en) * | 1998-12-11 | 2003-12-16 | Avaya Technology Corp. | Automatic call distribution system using computer network-based communication |
US6438222B1 (en) * | 1998-12-23 | 2002-08-20 | At&T Corp. | Method and system for processing a telephone call while on-line |
US6744761B1 (en) * | 1998-12-28 | 2004-06-01 | Nortel Networks Limited | Workflow manager |
US6594255B1 (en) * | 1999-02-09 | 2003-07-15 | Tadiran Telecom Business Systems Ltd. | PBX with short messaging service on a telephone display |
US6707811B2 (en) * | 1999-03-19 | 2004-03-16 | Estara, Inc. | Internet telephony for ecommerce |
US6463414B1 (en) * | 1999-04-12 | 2002-10-08 | Conexant Systems, Inc. | Conference bridge processing of speech in a packet network environment |
US6584097B1 (en) * | 1999-09-30 | 2003-06-24 | Bellsouth Intellectual Property Corporation | System and method for internet reservation service |
US6661785B1 (en) * | 1999-10-12 | 2003-12-09 | Bellsouth Intellectual Property Corporation | Method and apparatus for providing internet call waiting with voice over internet protocol |
US6763226B1 (en) * | 2002-07-31 | 2004-07-13 | Computer Science Central, Inc. | Multifunctional world wide walkie talkie, a tri-frequency cellular-satellite wireless instant messenger computer and network for establishing global wireless volp quality of service (qos) communications, unified messaging, and video conferencing via the internet |
US7978685B1 (en) * | 2003-12-02 | 2011-07-12 | Sprint Communications Company L.P. | System and method for packet-based voice telephony for use in receiving calls during dial-up internet sessions |
-
1999
- 1999-06-07 US US09/326,263 patent/US7039040B1/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
-
2000
- 2000-05-30 CA CA002310307A patent/CA2310307C/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
- 2000-05-31 EP EP00111052A patent/EP1059798B1/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
- 2000-05-31 BR BR0002174-1A patent/BR0002174A/en not_active Application Discontinuation
- 2000-05-31 DE DE60036330T patent/DE60036330T2/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
-
2005
- 2005-07-26 US US11/189,281 patent/US7660294B2/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
-
2009
- 2009-12-21 US US12/643,005 patent/US8355349B2/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
-
2012
- 2012-11-28 US US13/687,340 patent/US8891410B2/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
Patent Citations (5)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US6353611B1 (en) * | 1995-11-27 | 2002-03-05 | At&T Corp. | Call waiting feature for a telephone line connected to the internet |
US6463146B1 (en) * | 1996-07-03 | 2002-10-08 | British Telecommunications Public Limited Company | Call waiting service in a telecommunications network |
US6212261B1 (en) * | 1996-08-14 | 2001-04-03 | Nortel Networks Limited | Internet-based telephone call manager |
US6272126B1 (en) * | 1997-07-24 | 2001-08-07 | Bell Atlantic Network Services, Inc. | Internetwork telephony with enhanced features |
US6078581A (en) * | 1997-09-12 | 2000-06-20 | Genesys Telecommunications Laboratories, Inc. | Internet call waiting |
Cited By (198)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US9596274B2 (en) | 2008-04-02 | 2017-03-14 | Twilio, Inc. | System and method for processing telephony sessions |
US10893079B2 (en) | 2008-04-02 | 2021-01-12 | Twilio Inc. | System and method for processing telephony sessions |
US11706349B2 (en) | 2008-04-02 | 2023-07-18 | Twilio Inc. | System and method for processing telephony sessions |
US11722602B2 (en) | 2008-04-02 | 2023-08-08 | Twilio Inc. | System and method for processing media requests during telephony sessions |
US10694042B2 (en) | 2008-04-02 | 2020-06-23 | Twilio Inc. | System and method for processing media requests during telephony sessions |
US10893078B2 (en) | 2008-04-02 | 2021-01-12 | Twilio Inc. | System and method for processing telephony sessions |
US8755376B2 (en) | 2008-04-02 | 2014-06-17 | Twilio, Inc. | System and method for processing telephony sessions |
US9591033B2 (en) | 2008-04-02 | 2017-03-07 | Twilio, Inc. | System and method for processing media requests during telephony sessions |
US8837465B2 (en) | 2008-04-02 | 2014-09-16 | Twilio, Inc. | System and method for processing telephony sessions |
US10986142B2 (en) | 2008-04-02 | 2021-04-20 | Twilio Inc. | System and method for processing telephony sessions |
US9906651B2 (en) | 2008-04-02 | 2018-02-27 | Twilio, Inc. | System and method for processing media requests during telephony sessions |
US9306982B2 (en) | 2008-04-02 | 2016-04-05 | Twilio, Inc. | System and method for processing media requests during telephony sessions |
US11765275B2 (en) | 2008-04-02 | 2023-09-19 | Twilio Inc. | System and method for processing telephony sessions |
US11856150B2 (en) | 2008-04-02 | 2023-12-26 | Twilio Inc. | System and method for processing telephony sessions |
US9456008B2 (en) | 2008-04-02 | 2016-09-27 | Twilio, Inc. | System and method for processing telephony sessions |
US11611663B2 (en) | 2008-04-02 | 2023-03-21 | Twilio Inc. | System and method for processing telephony sessions |
US10560495B2 (en) | 2008-04-02 | 2020-02-11 | Twilio Inc. | System and method for processing telephony sessions |
US11831810B2 (en) | 2008-04-02 | 2023-11-28 | Twilio Inc. | System and method for processing telephony sessions |
US9906571B2 (en) | 2008-04-02 | 2018-02-27 | Twilio, Inc. | System and method for processing telephony sessions |
US11283843B2 (en) | 2008-04-02 | 2022-03-22 | Twilio Inc. | System and method for processing telephony sessions |
US11444985B2 (en) | 2008-04-02 | 2022-09-13 | Twilio Inc. | System and method for processing telephony sessions |
US11843722B2 (en) | 2008-04-02 | 2023-12-12 | Twilio Inc. | System and method for processing telephony sessions |
US11575795B2 (en) | 2008-04-02 | 2023-02-07 | Twilio Inc. | System and method for processing telephony sessions |
US10455094B2 (en) | 2008-10-01 | 2019-10-22 | Twilio Inc. | Telephony web event system and method |
US20100150139A1 (en) * | 2008-10-01 | 2010-06-17 | Jeffrey Lawson | Telephony Web Event System and Method |
US9807244B2 (en) | 2008-10-01 | 2017-10-31 | Twilio, Inc. | Telephony web event system and method |
US11005998B2 (en) | 2008-10-01 | 2021-05-11 | Twilio Inc. | Telephony web event system and method |
US8964726B2 (en) | 2008-10-01 | 2015-02-24 | Twilio, Inc. | Telephony web event system and method |
US11632471B2 (en) | 2008-10-01 | 2023-04-18 | Twilio Inc. | Telephony web event system and method |
US10187530B2 (en) | 2008-10-01 | 2019-01-22 | Twilio, Inc. | Telephony web event system and method |
US11665285B2 (en) | 2008-10-01 | 2023-05-30 | Twilio Inc. | Telephony web event system and method |
US11641427B2 (en) | 2008-10-01 | 2023-05-02 | Twilio Inc. | Telephony web event system and method |
US9407597B2 (en) | 2008-10-01 | 2016-08-02 | Twilio, Inc. | Telephony web event system and method |
US11785145B2 (en) | 2009-03-02 | 2023-10-10 | Twilio Inc. | Method and system for a multitenancy telephone network |
US8995641B2 (en) | 2009-03-02 | 2015-03-31 | Twilio, Inc. | Method and system for a multitenancy telephone network |
US11240381B2 (en) | 2009-03-02 | 2022-02-01 | Twilio Inc. | Method and system for a multitenancy telephone network |
US10708437B2 (en) | 2009-03-02 | 2020-07-07 | Twilio Inc. | Method and system for a multitenancy telephone network |
US9357047B2 (en) | 2009-03-02 | 2016-05-31 | Twilio, Inc. | Method and system for a multitenancy telephone network |
US9621733B2 (en) | 2009-03-02 | 2017-04-11 | Twilio, Inc. | Method and system for a multitenancy telephone network |
US10348908B2 (en) | 2009-03-02 | 2019-07-09 | Twilio, Inc. | Method and system for a multitenancy telephone network |
US8737593B2 (en) | 2009-03-02 | 2014-05-27 | Twilio, Inc. | Method and system for a multitenancy telephone network |
US9894212B2 (en) | 2009-03-02 | 2018-02-13 | Twilio, Inc. | Method and system for a multitenancy telephone network |
US11637933B2 (en) | 2009-10-07 | 2023-04-25 | Twilio Inc. | System and method for running a multi-module telephony application |
US9210275B2 (en) | 2009-10-07 | 2015-12-08 | Twilio, Inc. | System and method for running a multi-module telephony application |
US10554825B2 (en) | 2009-10-07 | 2020-02-04 | Twilio Inc. | System and method for running a multi-module telephony application |
US9491309B2 (en) | 2009-10-07 | 2016-11-08 | Twilio, Inc. | System and method for running a multi-module telephony application |
US12107989B2 (en) | 2009-10-07 | 2024-10-01 | Twilio Inc. | System and method for running a multi-module telephony application |
US8638781B2 (en) * | 2010-01-19 | 2014-01-28 | Twilio, Inc. | Method and system for preserving telephony session state |
US20110176537A1 (en) * | 2010-01-19 | 2011-07-21 | Jeffrey Lawson | Method and system for preserving telephony session state |
US9590849B2 (en) | 2010-06-23 | 2017-03-07 | Twilio, Inc. | System and method for managing a computing cluster |
US9459926B2 (en) | 2010-06-23 | 2016-10-04 | Twilio, Inc. | System and method for managing a computing cluster |
US11637934B2 (en) | 2010-06-23 | 2023-04-25 | Twilio Inc. | System and method for monitoring account usage on a platform |
US9338064B2 (en) | 2010-06-23 | 2016-05-10 | Twilio, Inc. | System and method for managing a computing cluster |
US9459925B2 (en) | 2010-06-23 | 2016-10-04 | Twilio, Inc. | System and method for managing a computing cluster |
US8838707B2 (en) | 2010-06-25 | 2014-09-16 | Twilio, Inc. | System and method for enabling real-time eventing |
US11088984B2 (en) | 2010-06-25 | 2021-08-10 | Twilio Ine. | System and method for enabling real-time eventing |
US9967224B2 (en) | 2010-06-25 | 2018-05-08 | Twilio, Inc. | System and method for enabling real-time eventing |
US11936609B2 (en) | 2010-06-25 | 2024-03-19 | Twilio Inc. | System and method for enabling real-time eventing |
US10708317B2 (en) | 2011-02-04 | 2020-07-07 | Twilio Inc. | Method for processing telephony sessions of a network |
US9455949B2 (en) | 2011-02-04 | 2016-09-27 | Twilio, Inc. | Method for processing telephony sessions of a network |
US10230772B2 (en) | 2011-02-04 | 2019-03-12 | Twilio, Inc. | Method for processing telephony sessions of a network |
US9882942B2 (en) | 2011-02-04 | 2018-01-30 | Twilio, Inc. | Method for processing telephony sessions of a network |
US11032330B2 (en) | 2011-02-04 | 2021-06-08 | Twilio Inc. | Method for processing telephony sessions of a network |
US11848967B2 (en) | 2011-02-04 | 2023-12-19 | Twilio Inc. | Method for processing telephony sessions of a network |
US11399044B2 (en) | 2011-05-23 | 2022-07-26 | Twilio Inc. | System and method for connecting a communication to a client |
US10165015B2 (en) | 2011-05-23 | 2018-12-25 | Twilio Inc. | System and method for real-time communication by using a client application communication protocol |
US10819757B2 (en) | 2011-05-23 | 2020-10-27 | Twilio Inc. | System and method for real-time communication by using a client application communication protocol |
US9398622B2 (en) | 2011-05-23 | 2016-07-19 | Twilio, Inc. | System and method for connecting a communication to a client |
US10560485B2 (en) | 2011-05-23 | 2020-02-11 | Twilio Inc. | System and method for connecting a communication to a client |
US9648006B2 (en) | 2011-05-23 | 2017-05-09 | Twilio, Inc. | System and method for communicating with a client application |
US10122763B2 (en) | 2011-05-23 | 2018-11-06 | Twilio, Inc. | System and method for connecting a communication to a client |
US10212275B2 (en) | 2011-09-21 | 2019-02-19 | Twilio, Inc. | System and method for determining and communicating presence information |
US11997231B2 (en) | 2011-09-21 | 2024-05-28 | Twilio Inc. | System and method for determining and communicating presence information |
US10182147B2 (en) | 2011-09-21 | 2019-01-15 | Twilio Inc. | System and method for determining and communicating presence information |
US9641677B2 (en) | 2011-09-21 | 2017-05-02 | Twilio, Inc. | System and method for determining and communicating presence information |
US10841421B2 (en) | 2011-09-21 | 2020-11-17 | Twilio Inc. | System and method for determining and communicating presence information |
US9942394B2 (en) | 2011-09-21 | 2018-04-10 | Twilio, Inc. | System and method for determining and communicating presence information |
US10686936B2 (en) | 2011-09-21 | 2020-06-16 | Twilio Inc. | System and method for determining and communicating presence information |
US9336500B2 (en) | 2011-09-21 | 2016-05-10 | Twilio, Inc. | System and method for authorizing and connecting application developers and users |
US11489961B2 (en) | 2011-09-21 | 2022-11-01 | Twilio Inc. | System and method for determining and communicating presence information |
US12020088B2 (en) | 2012-02-10 | 2024-06-25 | Twilio Inc. | System and method for managing concurrent events |
US10467064B2 (en) | 2012-02-10 | 2019-11-05 | Twilio Inc. | System and method for managing concurrent events |
US11093305B2 (en) | 2012-02-10 | 2021-08-17 | Twilio Inc. | System and method for managing concurrent events |
US9495227B2 (en) | 2012-02-10 | 2016-11-15 | Twilio, Inc. | System and method for managing concurrent events |
US9602586B2 (en) | 2012-05-09 | 2017-03-21 | Twilio, Inc. | System and method for managing media in a distributed communication network |
US10200458B2 (en) | 2012-05-09 | 2019-02-05 | Twilio, Inc. | System and method for managing media in a distributed communication network |
US9240941B2 (en) | 2012-05-09 | 2016-01-19 | Twilio, Inc. | System and method for managing media in a distributed communication network |
US10637912B2 (en) | 2012-05-09 | 2020-04-28 | Twilio Inc. | System and method for managing media in a distributed communication network |
US9350642B2 (en) | 2012-05-09 | 2016-05-24 | Twilio, Inc. | System and method for managing latency in a distributed telephony network |
US11165853B2 (en) | 2012-05-09 | 2021-11-02 | Twilio Inc. | System and method for managing media in a distributed communication network |
US10320983B2 (en) | 2012-06-19 | 2019-06-11 | Twilio Inc. | System and method for queuing a communication session |
US11991312B2 (en) | 2012-06-19 | 2024-05-21 | Twilio Inc. | System and method for queuing a communication session |
US11546471B2 (en) | 2012-06-19 | 2023-01-03 | Twilio Inc. | System and method for queuing a communication session |
US9247062B2 (en) | 2012-06-19 | 2016-01-26 | Twilio, Inc. | System and method for queuing a communication session |
US11882139B2 (en) | 2012-07-24 | 2024-01-23 | Twilio Inc. | Method and system for preventing illicit use of a telephony platform |
US11063972B2 (en) | 2012-07-24 | 2021-07-13 | Twilio Inc. | Method and system for preventing illicit use of a telephony platform |
US9270833B2 (en) | 2012-07-24 | 2016-02-23 | Twilio, Inc. | Method and system for preventing illicit use of a telephony platform |
US9614972B2 (en) | 2012-07-24 | 2017-04-04 | Twilio, Inc. | Method and system for preventing illicit use of a telephony platform |
US9948788B2 (en) | 2012-07-24 | 2018-04-17 | Twilio, Inc. | Method and system for preventing illicit use of a telephony platform |
US10469670B2 (en) | 2012-07-24 | 2019-11-05 | Twilio Inc. | Method and system for preventing illicit use of a telephony platform |
US8737962B2 (en) | 2012-07-24 | 2014-05-27 | Twilio, Inc. | Method and system for preventing illicit use of a telephony platform |
US8738051B2 (en) | 2012-07-26 | 2014-05-27 | Twilio, Inc. | Method and system for controlling message routing |
US11246013B2 (en) | 2012-10-15 | 2022-02-08 | Twilio Inc. | System and method for triggering on platform usage |
US11595792B2 (en) | 2012-10-15 | 2023-02-28 | Twilio Inc. | System and method for triggering on platform usage |
US8938053B2 (en) | 2012-10-15 | 2015-01-20 | Twilio, Inc. | System and method for triggering on platform usage |
US8948356B2 (en) | 2012-10-15 | 2015-02-03 | Twilio, Inc. | System and method for routing communications |
US10033617B2 (en) | 2012-10-15 | 2018-07-24 | Twilio, Inc. | System and method for triggering on platform usage |
US10757546B2 (en) | 2012-10-15 | 2020-08-25 | Twilio Inc. | System and method for triggering on platform usage |
US9654647B2 (en) | 2012-10-15 | 2017-05-16 | Twilio, Inc. | System and method for routing communications |
US10257674B2 (en) | 2012-10-15 | 2019-04-09 | Twilio, Inc. | System and method for triggering on platform usage |
US9307094B2 (en) | 2012-10-15 | 2016-04-05 | Twilio, Inc. | System and method for routing communications |
US9319857B2 (en) | 2012-10-15 | 2016-04-19 | Twilio, Inc. | System and method for triggering on platform usage |
US11689899B2 (en) | 2012-10-15 | 2023-06-27 | Twilio Inc. | System and method for triggering on platform usage |
US9253254B2 (en) | 2013-01-14 | 2016-02-02 | Twilio, Inc. | System and method for offering a multi-partner delegated platform |
US11637876B2 (en) | 2013-03-14 | 2023-04-25 | Twilio Inc. | System and method for integrating session initiation protocol communication in a telecommunications platform |
US10560490B2 (en) | 2013-03-14 | 2020-02-11 | Twilio Inc. | System and method for integrating session initiation protocol communication in a telecommunications platform |
US9282124B2 (en) | 2013-03-14 | 2016-03-08 | Twilio, Inc. | System and method for integrating session initiation protocol communication in a telecommunications platform |
US11032325B2 (en) | 2013-03-14 | 2021-06-08 | Twilio Inc. | System and method for integrating session initiation protocol communication in a telecommunications platform |
US10051011B2 (en) | 2013-03-14 | 2018-08-14 | Twilio, Inc. | System and method for integrating session initiation protocol communication in a telecommunications platform |
US9001666B2 (en) | 2013-03-15 | 2015-04-07 | Twilio, Inc. | System and method for improving routing in a distributed communication platform |
US9338280B2 (en) | 2013-06-19 | 2016-05-10 | Twilio, Inc. | System and method for managing telephony endpoint inventory |
US9992608B2 (en) | 2013-06-19 | 2018-06-05 | Twilio, Inc. | System and method for providing a communication endpoint information service |
US9240966B2 (en) | 2013-06-19 | 2016-01-19 | Twilio, Inc. | System and method for transmitting and receiving media messages |
US10057734B2 (en) | 2013-06-19 | 2018-08-21 | Twilio Inc. | System and method for transmitting and receiving media messages |
US9225840B2 (en) | 2013-06-19 | 2015-12-29 | Twilio, Inc. | System and method for providing a communication endpoint information service |
US9160696B2 (en) | 2013-06-19 | 2015-10-13 | Twilio, Inc. | System for transforming media resource into destination device compatible messaging format |
US9483328B2 (en) | 2013-07-19 | 2016-11-01 | Twilio, Inc. | System and method for delivering application content |
US11539601B2 (en) | 2013-09-17 | 2022-12-27 | Twilio Inc. | System and method for providing communication platform metadata |
US9137127B2 (en) | 2013-09-17 | 2015-09-15 | Twilio, Inc. | System and method for providing communication platform metadata |
US9811398B2 (en) | 2013-09-17 | 2017-11-07 | Twilio, Inc. | System and method for tagging and tracking events of an application platform |
US10439907B2 (en) | 2013-09-17 | 2019-10-08 | Twilio Inc. | System and method for providing communication platform metadata |
US11379275B2 (en) | 2013-09-17 | 2022-07-05 | Twilio Inc. | System and method for tagging and tracking events of an application |
US10671452B2 (en) | 2013-09-17 | 2020-06-02 | Twilio Inc. | System and method for tagging and tracking events of an application |
US9959151B2 (en) | 2013-09-17 | 2018-05-01 | Twilio, Inc. | System and method for tagging and tracking events of an application platform |
US9853872B2 (en) | 2013-09-17 | 2017-12-26 | Twilio, Inc. | System and method for providing communication platform metadata |
US9338018B2 (en) | 2013-09-17 | 2016-05-10 | Twilio, Inc. | System and method for pricing communication of a telecommunication platform |
US11831415B2 (en) | 2013-11-12 | 2023-11-28 | Twilio Inc. | System and method for enabling dynamic multi-modal communication |
US9325624B2 (en) | 2013-11-12 | 2016-04-26 | Twilio, Inc. | System and method for enabling dynamic multi-modal communication |
US11621911B2 (en) | 2013-11-12 | 2023-04-04 | Twillo Inc. | System and method for client communication in a distributed telephony network |
US10069773B2 (en) | 2013-11-12 | 2018-09-04 | Twilio, Inc. | System and method for enabling dynamic multi-modal communication |
US11394673B2 (en) | 2013-11-12 | 2022-07-19 | Twilio Inc. | System and method for enabling dynamic multi-modal communication |
US10686694B2 (en) | 2013-11-12 | 2020-06-16 | Twilio Inc. | System and method for client communication in a distributed telephony network |
US9553799B2 (en) | 2013-11-12 | 2017-01-24 | Twilio, Inc. | System and method for client communication in a distributed telephony network |
US10063461B2 (en) | 2013-11-12 | 2018-08-28 | Twilio, Inc. | System and method for client communication in a distributed telephony network |
US10291782B2 (en) | 2014-03-14 | 2019-05-14 | Twilio, Inc. | System and method for a work distribution service |
US10003693B2 (en) | 2014-03-14 | 2018-06-19 | Twilio, Inc. | System and method for a work distribution service |
US11882242B2 (en) | 2014-03-14 | 2024-01-23 | Twilio Inc. | System and method for a work distribution service |
US10904389B2 (en) | 2014-03-14 | 2021-01-26 | Twilio Inc. | System and method for a work distribution service |
US9628624B2 (en) | 2014-03-14 | 2017-04-18 | Twilio, Inc. | System and method for a work distribution service |
US9344573B2 (en) | 2014-03-14 | 2016-05-17 | Twilio, Inc. | System and method for a work distribution service |
US11330108B2 (en) | 2014-03-14 | 2022-05-10 | Twilio Inc. | System and method for a work distribution service |
US9907010B2 (en) | 2014-04-17 | 2018-02-27 | Twilio, Inc. | System and method for enabling multi-modal communication |
US11653282B2 (en) | 2014-04-17 | 2023-05-16 | Twilio Inc. | System and method for enabling multi-modal communication |
US9226217B2 (en) | 2014-04-17 | 2015-12-29 | Twilio, Inc. | System and method for enabling multi-modal communication |
US10873892B2 (en) | 2014-04-17 | 2020-12-22 | Twilio Inc. | System and method for enabling multi-modal communication |
US10440627B2 (en) | 2014-04-17 | 2019-10-08 | Twilio Inc. | System and method for enabling multi-modal communication |
US9858279B2 (en) | 2014-07-07 | 2018-01-02 | Twilio, Inc. | Method and system for applying data retention policies in a computing platform |
US9774687B2 (en) | 2014-07-07 | 2017-09-26 | Twilio, Inc. | System and method for managing media and signaling in a communication platform |
US11341092B2 (en) | 2014-07-07 | 2022-05-24 | Twilio Inc. | Method and system for applying data retention policies in a computing platform |
US9516101B2 (en) | 2014-07-07 | 2016-12-06 | Twilio, Inc. | System and method for collecting feedback in a multi-tenant communication platform |
US9588974B2 (en) | 2014-07-07 | 2017-03-07 | Twilio, Inc. | Method and system for applying data retention policies in a computing platform |
US10747717B2 (en) | 2014-07-07 | 2020-08-18 | Twilio Inc. | Method and system for applying data retention policies in a computing platform |
US10757200B2 (en) | 2014-07-07 | 2020-08-25 | Twilio Inc. | System and method for managing conferencing in a distributed communication network |
US11973835B2 (en) | 2014-07-07 | 2024-04-30 | Twilio Inc. | System and method for managing media and signaling in a communication platform |
US9553900B2 (en) | 2014-07-07 | 2017-01-24 | Twilio, Inc. | System and method for managing conferencing in a distributed communication network |
US9246694B1 (en) | 2014-07-07 | 2016-01-26 | Twilio, Inc. | System and method for managing conferencing in a distributed communication network |
US9251371B2 (en) | 2014-07-07 | 2016-02-02 | Twilio, Inc. | Method and system for applying data retention policies in a computing platform |
US11768802B2 (en) | 2014-07-07 | 2023-09-26 | Twilio Inc. | Method and system for applying data retention policies in a computing platform |
US11755530B2 (en) | 2014-07-07 | 2023-09-12 | Twilio Inc. | Method and system for applying data retention policies in a computing platform |
US10229126B2 (en) | 2014-07-07 | 2019-03-12 | Twilio, Inc. | Method and system for applying data retention policies in a computing platform |
US10212237B2 (en) | 2014-07-07 | 2019-02-19 | Twilio, Inc. | System and method for managing media and signaling in a communication platform |
US10116733B2 (en) | 2014-07-07 | 2018-10-30 | Twilio, Inc. | System and method for collecting feedback in a multi-tenant communication platform |
US11019159B2 (en) | 2014-10-21 | 2021-05-25 | Twilio Inc. | System and method for providing a micro-services communication platform |
US9509782B2 (en) | 2014-10-21 | 2016-11-29 | Twilio, Inc. | System and method for providing a micro-services communication platform |
US9363301B2 (en) | 2014-10-21 | 2016-06-07 | Twilio, Inc. | System and method for providing a micro-services communication platform |
US9906607B2 (en) | 2014-10-21 | 2018-02-27 | Twilio, Inc. | System and method for providing a micro-services communication platform |
US10637938B2 (en) | 2014-10-21 | 2020-04-28 | Twilio Inc. | System and method for providing a micro-services communication platform |
US9477975B2 (en) | 2015-02-03 | 2016-10-25 | Twilio, Inc. | System and method for a media intelligence platform |
US11544752B2 (en) | 2015-02-03 | 2023-01-03 | Twilio Inc. | System and method for a media intelligence platform |
US9805399B2 (en) | 2015-02-03 | 2017-10-31 | Twilio, Inc. | System and method for a media intelligence platform |
US10853854B2 (en) | 2015-02-03 | 2020-12-01 | Twilio Inc. | System and method for a media intelligence platform |
US10467665B2 (en) | 2015-02-03 | 2019-11-05 | Twilio Inc. | System and method for a media intelligence platform |
US11272325B2 (en) | 2015-05-14 | 2022-03-08 | Twilio Inc. | System and method for communicating through multiple endpoints |
US10419891B2 (en) | 2015-05-14 | 2019-09-17 | Twilio, Inc. | System and method for communicating through multiple endpoints |
US11265367B2 (en) | 2015-05-14 | 2022-03-01 | Twilio Inc. | System and method for signaling through data storage |
US12081616B2 (en) | 2015-05-14 | 2024-09-03 | Twilio Inc. | System and method for signaling through data storage |
US10560516B2 (en) | 2015-05-14 | 2020-02-11 | Twilio Inc. | System and method for signaling through data storage |
US9948703B2 (en) | 2015-05-14 | 2018-04-17 | Twilio, Inc. | System and method for signaling through data storage |
US11171865B2 (en) | 2016-02-04 | 2021-11-09 | Twilio Inc. | Systems and methods for providing secure network exchanged for a multitenant virtual private cloud |
US10659349B2 (en) | 2016-02-04 | 2020-05-19 | Twilio Inc. | Systems and methods for providing secure network exchanged for a multitenant virtual private cloud |
US11622022B2 (en) | 2016-05-23 | 2023-04-04 | Twilio Inc. | System and method for a multi-channel notification service |
US11265392B2 (en) | 2016-05-23 | 2022-03-01 | Twilio Inc. | System and method for a multi-channel notification service |
US10063713B2 (en) | 2016-05-23 | 2018-08-28 | Twilio Inc. | System and method for programmatic device connectivity |
US10440192B2 (en) | 2016-05-23 | 2019-10-08 | Twilio Inc. | System and method for programmatic device connectivity |
US11627225B2 (en) | 2016-05-23 | 2023-04-11 | Twilio Inc. | System and method for programmatic device connectivity |
US12041144B2 (en) | 2016-05-23 | 2024-07-16 | Twilio Inc. | System and method for a multi-channel notification service |
US11076054B2 (en) | 2016-05-23 | 2021-07-27 | Twilio Inc. | System and method for programmatic device connectivity |
US10686902B2 (en) | 2016-05-23 | 2020-06-16 | Twilio Inc. | System and method for a multi-channel notification service |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
BR0002174A (en) | 2001-01-02 |
US20050259638A1 (en) | 2005-11-24 |
US20100135283A1 (en) | 2010-06-03 |
US7039040B1 (en) | 2006-05-02 |
CA2310307A1 (en) | 2000-12-07 |
EP1059798A2 (en) | 2000-12-13 |
US8891410B2 (en) | 2014-11-18 |
DE60036330D1 (en) | 2007-10-25 |
US7660294B2 (en) | 2010-02-09 |
DE60036330T2 (en) | 2008-05-29 |
EP1059798B1 (en) | 2007-09-12 |
US8355349B2 (en) | 2013-01-15 |
EP1059798A3 (en) | 2004-01-07 |
CA2310307C (en) | 2005-12-20 |
Similar Documents
Publication | Publication Date | Title |
---|---|---|
US8891410B2 (en) | Voice-over-IP enabled chat | |
US7411939B1 (en) | Methods and apparatus for providing communications services between connectionless and connection-oriented networks | |
CA2274350C (en) | Anonymous voice communication using on-line controls | |
JP4865123B2 (en) | Multi-party telephone conferencing system and method for use in an automated communication system for establishing a telephone conference call | |
US6512818B1 (en) | Method and system for releasing a voice response unit from a protocol session | |
EP0883306B1 (en) | System and method for teleconferencing on an internetwork comprising connection oriented and connectionless networks | |
CN100534111C (en) | Apparatus and method for computer telephone integration in packet switched telephone networks | |
CN1640110B (en) | Apparatus and method for computer telephone integration in packet switched telephone networks | |
US6272126B1 (en) | Internetwork telephony with enhanced features | |
US7460493B1 (en) | Video conferencing system with dynamic call management and set-up | |
US7643498B2 (en) | Private dialing plan for voice on a packet-based network | |
US6965614B1 (en) | Method and system for communications between different types of devices | |
US20030035381A1 (en) | Network-based teleconferencing capabilities utilizing data network call set-up requests | |
US20100303061A1 (en) | Network communication system for supporting non-specific network protocols and network communication method thereof | |
JP2010193532A (en) | Method and system for cpn-triggered collaboration | |
WO2002075605A9 (en) | Xml based transaction detail records | |
WO2001024447A9 (en) | System and method for advertising using data network telephone connections | |
GB2405051A (en) | Call establishment | |
US8751571B2 (en) | Methods and systems for CPN triggered collaboration | |
WO2007025209A2 (en) | Systems and methods of implementing a single-number follow me service for videoconferencing | |
EP1248445B1 (en) | Call appearance shared by PSTN phone and Voice over IP phone | |
WO2006043061A1 (en) | System and method for providing a secure and efficient communicaton connection | |
JP2006507781A (en) | Method and system for configuring and providing a conference call | |
JP2006507778A (en) | Method and system for CPN triggered collaboration |
Legal Events
Date | Code | Title | Description |
---|---|---|---|
AS | Assignment |
Owner name: AT&T CORP., NEW YORK Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNOR:BURG, FREDERICK MURRAY;REEL/FRAME:029364/0173 Effective date: 19990424 |
|
AS | Assignment |
Owner name: AT&T INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY II, L.P., GEORGIA Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNOR:AT&T PROPERTIES, LLC;REEL/FRAME:029934/0016 Effective date: 20121207 Owner name: AT&T PROPERTIES, LLC, GEORGIA Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNOR:AT&T CORP.;REEL/FRAME:029933/0954 Effective date: 20121207 |
|
STCF | Information on status: patent grant |
Free format text: PATENTED CASE |
|
FEPP | Fee payment procedure |
Free format text: PAYOR NUMBER ASSIGNED (ORIGINAL EVENT CODE: ASPN); ENTITY STATUS OF PATENT OWNER: LARGE ENTITY |
|
MAFP | Maintenance fee payment |
Free format text: PAYMENT OF MAINTENANCE FEE, 4TH YEAR, LARGE ENTITY (ORIGINAL EVENT CODE: M1551) Year of fee payment: 4 |
|
FEPP | Fee payment procedure |
Free format text: MAINTENANCE FEE REMINDER MAILED (ORIGINAL EVENT CODE: REM.); ENTITY STATUS OF PATENT OWNER: LARGE ENTITY |
|
LAPS | Lapse for failure to pay maintenance fees |
Free format text: PATENT EXPIRED FOR FAILURE TO PAY MAINTENANCE FEES (ORIGINAL EVENT CODE: EXP.); ENTITY STATUS OF PATENT OWNER: LARGE ENTITY |
|
STCH | Information on status: patent discontinuation |
Free format text: PATENT EXPIRED DUE TO NONPAYMENT OF MAINTENANCE FEES UNDER 37 CFR 1.362 |
|
FP | Lapsed due to failure to pay maintenance fee |
Effective date: 20221118 |